Property Taxes, Iran Talks, and Ohio’s Surveillance Debate — Crooked River Cast Show 56 🎙
Robert kicked off the show by declaring it “1954 Gold Top Month” on his calendar and immediately put Tom on the spot: How much are those things worth anyway? Tom didn’t hesitate—“Too much.” Turns out, he wasn’t wrong. A quick Google search shows pristine 1954 Gibson Les Paul Gold Tops can fetch anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000+ if they’re clean and original. So with that reality check out of the way, the guys decided it was time to focus on what we actually came for—and stop dreaming about things we can’t afford… like vintage guitars, or apparently, homes just outside of Columbus. Robert recently found that out firsthand after pricing out an Airbnb for a quick family trip. Sticker shock is alive and well in Ohio. Robert and Tom covered a packed slate this week—ranging from space exploration and international diplomacy to the bread-and-butter issues hitting Ohio taxpayers right now. From levy fatigue and property tax debates to surveillance cameras and fracking on public land, Show 56 keeps the focus where it belongs: on the policies shaping daily life across the state. And, as always, they wrapped things up with a couple of genuinely good economic wins for Ohio.
🚀 Artemis II Makes a Splash
NASA’s Artemis II mission wrapped up a dramatic journey around the moon, but the conversation quickly turned into a bigger question the guys couldn’t ignore: Did we really go to the moon the first time—and how did so much original data get lost?
Robert and Tom admitted they’re still on the fence. Between missing telemetry tapes, outdated technology, and decades-old documentation gaps, there are enough loose ends to make people raise an eyebrow. That said, they also agreed this latest mission appears to be the real deal—and hopefully a sign that modern space exploration is more transparent, better documented, and harder to question.
Source:
🔗: Artemis II’s record-breaking journey around the moon ends with dramatic splashdown
🌍 Iran Talks Put Ohio’s VP on the Global Stage
Vice President JD Vance heading overseas for Iran negotiations shows just how quickly national security issues can intersect. The guys spent time digging into what they were hearing from the Iranian side of the negotiations—and asking the same question a lot of Americans are asking right now: What are we supposed to believe?
There’s talk of ceasefires and peace negotiations, but then reports surface that missiles are still flying. Even as diplomats meet at the table, Israel has continued strikes on Hezbollah targets, putting pressure on an already fragile truce and raising doubts about whether anyone is truly committed to stopping the fighting.
Robert and Tom weren’t buying the neat, tidy version of events being presented. Their takeaway was simple: when both sides claim victory, blame each other, and keep fighting at the same time, it’s hard to trust the story we’re being fed. The situation feels less like peace talks—and more like a pause button that could be released at any moment. politics. The conversation highlighted the stakes involved when diplomacy meets global instability—and how Ohio leaders are increasingly visible on the world stage.
Source:
🔗: Vice President JD Vance Heads To Pakistan To Lead Iran Peace Talks | Newsradio WTAM 1100
🏛 Husted’s New Role in Washington
Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted picked up a powerful new assignment on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. That’s a big deal when it comes to federal funding and influence—and a reminder that political positioning today often shapes tomorrow’s elections. Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted picked up a new assignment on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee—a position that carries real influence when it comes to federal spending and priorities. But the conversation didn’t stop at the headline.
Robert played a clip from the Tim Pool Cast featuring Luke Rudkowski and Matt Gaetz discussing how lawmakers often end up on certain committees—and how political pressure, leadership dynamics, and party strategy can shape those assignments behind the scenes. It sparked a thoughtful point about how power actually works in government, not just how it looks on paper.
And yes, credit where it’s due—it was a solid discussion. Unfortunately, the guys didn’t share the link in the show notes, but the takeaway stuck: Committee assignments aren’t always random, and influence in Washington is rarely accidental.
Source:
🔗: Husted Appointed to U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee | Ohio | theohiopressnetwork.com
💡 Big Ideas, Few Details in the Governor’s Race
Dr. Amy Acton rolled out her affordability platform, and one line jumped out immediately—cutting taxes. Robert and Tom couldn’t help but laugh a little at that moment. Because when a Democratic candidate starts talking about tax cuts, it starts to sound an awful lot like MAGA talking points.
Hey, if both parties want to cut taxes, most Ohioans are probably thinking the same thing: LET’S GO!
But Acton’s plan goes beyond taxes. As a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, she’s also pledged to repeal key parts of the controversial House Bill 6—the law tied to the state’s largest corruption scandal. Her “ActOn Costs Agenda” focuses on restoring energy efficiency programs, demand response incentives, and renewable energy standards that were scaled back under the original 2019 legislation. The big question now isn’t whether the ideas sound good—it’s how they’d be funded and whether voters will see the details before Election Day.
Source:
🔗: Ohio governor race: Acton releases lots of affordability ideas, but few specifics on funding them
🗳 Secretary of State Race Heats Up
The race to oversee Ohio’s elections is already taking shape, with multiple candidates entering the field. It’s one of those offices that doesn’t always get attention—until election season rolls around and suddenly everyone cares. This segment was brought to us courtesy of reporter Morgan Trau, who released individual interviews with the four candidates in the race for Ohio Secretary of State—Hambley, Russo, Sprague, and Strbich. The interviews gave voters a chance to hear directly from the people who want to oversee Ohio’s elections, which is always a good thing.
But Robert and Tom noticed something else, too. The video package felt a little… selectively edited. Some answers were highlighted, others trimmed down, and the overall framing left the impression that the story leaned in a particular direction. Whether intentional or not, it raised the bigger issue of media trust and how narratives can be shaped in the editing room.
So yes—thanks, Morgan, for putting the candidates out there. Just remember, in politics and media alike, how the story is told can matter just as much as the story itself.
Source:
🔗: They’re running for Ohio secretary of state. Get to know the candidates.
🏠 Can Ohio Live Without Property Taxes?
The idea of eliminating property taxes keeps gaining traction among frustrated homeowners—and Robert and Tom made their position clear: the system is broken. Instead of real reform, leaders keep offering temporary fixes that feel more like band-aids than solutions.
Ohioans aren’t just asking for relief anymore—they’re asking for a system that actually makes sense.
Source:
🔗: Ohio property tax: Will Ohio abolish property taxes?
🏫 Levy Season Gets a New Twist
School funding debates are back, but Parma City Schools is trying something the district has never done before—offering to eliminate three property tax levies, but only if voters approve a 1.75% earned income tax. It’s a bold move and a big trade-off, shifting how schools get funded and who ultimately pays.
Hey Parma listeners, this one directly affects you. What are your thoughts? Send us an email at crookedrivercast@gmail.com—we want to hear where you stand.
Sources:
🔗: Parma City Schools to eliminate property tax levies if voters approve income tax
🔗: Stakes are high for some Northeast Ohio school districts with levies on the May ballot
🎓 Families Blindsided by College Savings Closure
Parents were caught off guard when a county-run college savings program suddenly shut down, leaving families scrambling for answers about what happens to their money. Communication was clearly lacking—and frustration followed fast.
Robert went on a full rant about this one, and honestly, it’s worth listening to. Tom, on the other hand, chalked it up to a slow news day.
Source:
🔗: Parents blindsided after Cuyahoga County college savings program closure leaves funds in question
⚖️ Ohio Pushes to Resume Executions
The state’s attorney general is renewing calls to restart executions after years of delays. Supporters argue justice is being stalled, while critics continue raising concerns about methods and legal challenges. Either way, this debate isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
And fair warning to listeners—Robert plays a clip during this segment, and let’s just say the vocal fry is strong on this one… yikes.
Sources:
🔗: Ohio AG renews push to resume executions in latest Capital Crimes Report
🔗: Ohio’s top cop: Stalled executions are ‘mockery of the justice system’ | Ideastream Public Media
🚔 ICE Lawsuit Raises Legal Questions
A new lawsuit claims federal immigration agents are making arrests without warrants in Ohio, raising serious legal and constitutional questions. Robert and Tom highlighted the broader tension between enforcing immigration laws and protecting individual rights—a debate that isn’t going away anytime soon.
At the same time, the guys agreed there has to be a happy medium. Law enforcement officers doing their jobs should be protected, especially with reports of doxing and individuals attempting to threaten officers and their families. Disagreement over policy is one thing—but targeting people personally crosses a line.
Source:
🔗: Lawsuit claims ICE agents are illegally arresting Ohio immigrants without warrants
🌊 Gorge Dam Removal Moves Forward
The long-discussed removal of the Gorge Dam is gaining momentum after years of planning, and one key detail stood out to the guys—there’s actually a natural waterfall underneath the dam that’s been hidden for decades. The EPA has hired a contractor to begin the slow but necessary process of removing nearly a century’s worth of sediment sitting behind the structure before anything can be taken down.
But the conversation quickly shifted to what comes next. While the goal is environmental cleanup, there’s also talk about developing the surrounding area with hotels and restaurants. Robert and Tom couldn’t help but question that part of the plan—we sure need more hotels and restaurants… said no one ever.
Sources:
🔗: Gorge Dam removal highlight for Summit Metro Parks in 2025
▶️ YouTube: Gorge Dam could be torn down following 2-year dredging phase
⛽ Fracking Expands on Public Land
Ohio officials have approved fracking rights beneath more than 8,500 acres of public land, including areas within Salt Fork State Park and the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in eastern Ohio. The decision allows energy companies to lease underground mineral rights and potentially drill horizontally from nearby private land, with the state receiving upfront payments and a share of future revenue that can be used to support park and wildlife operations.
The move has drawn strong reactions from both sides. Supporters argue it will generate significant funding for public lands and strengthen domestic energy production. At the same time, opponents raise concerns about environmental risks and the use of conservation land for fossil fuel development. No drilling begins immediately, but the approvals open the door for future extraction activity.
Source:
🔗: More Than 8,500 Acres of Ohio’s Public Land Approved for Fracking
📷 Flock Cameras and the Surveillance Debate
Automated license plate reader systems—often called Flock cameras—are spreading across Ohio communities. Supporters say they help solve crimes. Critics worry about privacy and government overreach. Expect this conversation to keep growing. The op-ed urges Northeast Ohio officials to reject Flock license plate reader systems, arguing the technology could help federal authorities track activists and immigrants. Critics say the argument leans heavily on political assumptions—particularly claims about the Trump administration—without clear evidence of misuse locally, and overlooks the role these systems can play in solving crimes and improving public safety.
Source:
🔗: Op-Ed: Northeast Ohio Officials Must Protect Residents and Reject Flock
🚨 Akron’s New Police Policy
Under the leadership of Mayor Shammas Iqbal Qammar Malik, Akron adopted a new “Public Order Policy” that imposes stricter limits on how police respond to protests, including tighter rules on arrests and the use of crowd-control tools such as tear gas. Officers are now required to wear visible identification and body cameras during demonstrations. The changes stem from legal challenges and criticism of police conduct during past protests, with supporters calling it a civil rights measure and critics arguing it could further restrict law enforcement’s ability to maintain order.
Source:
🔗: Akron announces new Public Order Policy: Here’s what it means
🌟 Good Things
🏭 Whirlpool Chooses Ohio for Expansion
A major investment from Whirlpool means new jobs and renewed confidence in Ohio’s manufacturing base. It’s the kind of economic development story communities love to see. Now let’s hope these are good-paying jobs—because that’s the only way they’ll actually get filled.
Source:
🔗: Whirlpool plans $60M Perrysburg facility, up to 150 jobs | wtol.com
🛩 Drone Manufacturing Takes Off in Ohio
Defense tech company Anduril is ramping up production of autonomous drones in the state as part of a $1 billion investment, bringing high-tech jobs and reinforcing Ohio’s growing role in advanced manufacturing. It’s a big swing for the region and a sign that serious defense and tech dollars are landing here.
One thing the guys couldn’t ignore—the drone design itself. Did they make it look like a shark on purpose? Because once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Maybe they missed a golden marketing opportunity by not leaning all the way in with the teeth and branding—but either way, it looked pretty cool. And even cooler, Robert was actually at the facility, getting a firsthand look at the operation. So cool.
Source:
🔗: Anduril begins production of autonomous military drones amid tech and workforce expansion | 10tv.com
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