Ohio: Columbus Mayor Worked With Bloomberg, ProgressOhio to Stop Kasich From Signing Gun Rights Bill

Published on September 7, 2012
Duration: 13:33

This video details how organizations like Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG), in coordination with groups like Progress Ohio and individuals linked to Michael Bloomberg's office, attempted to lobby against a pro-Second Amendment concealed carry bill in Ohio. The investigation, conducted by Media Trackers Ohio through FOIA requests, uncovered emails showing these groups strategizing to influence Governor John Kasich and the state legislature, despite initial denials from Mayor Coleman's office. The content highlights the behind-the-scenes efforts of gun control advocacy groups and their use of political influence.

Quick Summary

Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG), Progress Ohio, and individuals linked to Michael Bloomberg's office actively lobbied against a pro-Second Amendment concealed carry bill in Ohio. Investigations by Media Trackers Ohio, using FOIA requests, uncovered emails detailing coordination between MAIG's Ohio coordinator Arley Roberts, Mayor Michael Coleman's office, and others to influence Governor John Kasich and the legislature, though the bill was ultimately signed into law.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Media Trackers Ohio
  2. 00:46Mayors Against Illegal Guns & Anti-Gun Issues
  3. 01:00Efforts to Stop Governor Kasich's Gun Bill
  4. 01:14Denials and FOIA Revelations
  5. 01:30Email Coordination: Roberts, Coleman, Progress Ohio
  6. 02:27Ohio Concealed Carry Bill Details
  7. 03:06MAIG's True Agenda: Against Guns
  8. 03:43Bloomberg's Office Involvement: Jamie Roundtree
  9. 04:55Progress Ohio: Brett Thompson
  10. 05:35Huffington Post Contributor: Cliff Scheer
  11. 06:00Kasich as a 'Suburban Republican'
  12. 06:53Governor Kasich Signs the Bill
  13. 07:10Legislative Blocking Efforts
  14. 08:02Arley Roberts' Strategy on Out-of-State Permits
  15. 09:08Coordination Between Offices
  16. 09:41Columbus Media Coverage Needed
  17. 10:20Overlap in Roberts' Roles
  18. 11:10Spokesman's Statement on Guns in Bars
  19. 11:50Roberts' Response: 'Touche'
  20. 12:21Future Coverage and Media Challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What organizations were involved in lobbying against Ohio's concealed carry bill?

Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG), Progress Ohio, and individuals associated with Michael Bloomberg's office in New York were involved in lobbying efforts against Ohio's concealed carry bill. These groups coordinated their strategies to influence the state legislature and Governor John Kasich.

How did Media Trackers Ohio uncover the lobbying efforts against the gun bill?

Media Trackers Ohio utilized Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to obtain emails exchanged between staffers in Mayor Michael Coleman's office, MAIG's Ohio coordinator Arley Roberts, and other involved parties. These emails revealed the extent of their coordination and lobbying activities.

What was the outcome of the lobbying efforts against the Ohio concealed carry bill?

Despite the coordinated efforts by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Progress Ohio, and others to block the bill, Governor John Kasich ultimately signed the pro-Second Amendment concealed carry legislation into law. The lobbying did not succeed in preventing the bill's passage.

What is the relationship between Arley Roberts and Mayor Michael Coleman's office?

Arley Roberts, the Ohio coordinator for Mayors Against Illegal Guns, works within Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's office. This close proximity and access to city resources facilitated coordination between MAIG's agenda and the mayor's office, even though Roberts' salary is paid by MAIG.

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