Some of what Gov. Bob Taft said Wednesday. He:

        • Hopes for a turnaround on the economy next year, but warned lawmakers the state may face another budget deficit.

        “It could get worse, and if it gets significantly worse, we'd have to come back and look at our options.”

        • Defends state funding of schools. “We have a system that's better than constitutional. I hope the other side would appreciate that.”

        • Opposes any “large scale” proposal in which slot machines are placed at horse-racing tracks to help fund schools.

        “If you're talking about (video lottery terminals) as a solution to school funding, you're talking about a large, costly proposal that is indistinguishable from casinos.”

        • Promises to veto a bill that would bar county health boards from passing smoking bans in public places.

        “I'm not sure where the real compromise is there. Either local health boards have the power, or they don't. I believe they should have the power.”

        • Opposes a possible November ballot initiative that would prevent first- or second-offense drug offenders from serving jail time.

        “The proposal would eliminate the potential for judges to use incarceration as an incentive for treatment. We think it will undermine effective treatment programs that are going on in the state.”

        • Hopes Ohio Auditor Jim Petro and state Treasurer Joe Deters won't oppose each other in a Republican primary for attorney general.

        “We're doing everything we can to avoid a primary. We think a primary would be divisive, expensive and would damage the election prospects in November of the primary winner.”

Taft: Making the best of a bad year
       

Taft: Making the best of a bad year
Taft on the issues
Thieves who took gifts aroused Christmas spirit
Boy faces adult trial for assault
Friends, relatives mourn slain buddies
Travel lighter during holidays
Donation boosts winter camp
Family of police officer killed in '79 fighting to keep his killer in prison
Green Township hires administrator
High court upholds right to stadium records
Portune backs hotel-tax boost
Sierra Club intends to sue
Tristate A.M. Report
United council passes budget
HOWARD: Some Good News
PULFER: The countdown
Bicentennial Bell casting set
School taking shape in plans
Schools on drawing board
Teacher put on leave until he resigns in March
Warren to cut money for buses
Gypsy moths chomping their way south
Police chased man into his home
Study says urban sprawl reduced
Kentucky News Briefs
Library OKs work on branch project
'Potbellied bandit' suspect charged
Proposals aim to reduce trash
Runway project approved