I know that I promised you my endorsement for mayor this evening, and I have everything typed up and ready to go. I hope I have your blessing and support, however, if I wait until tomorrow to post it. I would really like to sleep on it tonight, and see if I feel any different in the morning (and after a good night's rest).
Before I get to what happened on the 22nd, I want to give you some background information. Since 2001, I have worked at The University of Findlay, and have been fortunate to work with very talented people in an exciting and challenging environment. In 2006, I was asked to manage a new group, which included oversight of the University's TV station. Since I joined the team, we have taped quite a few concerts/lectures/games that make it to the small screen, but I have never been involved in a 'LIVE' event before.
After dinner, Congressman Jim Jordan got up and spoke to the crowd for a moment before introducing the main speaker... listen to Congressman Jim Jordan address the audience or download the file the Honorable Rob Portman. 
Tonight at the Koehler Center on the campus of The University of Findlay, I attended the 2007 Hancock County Republican Party Fall Picnic. Now, besides being a Republican and attending this annual Columbus Day tradition, this event holds another special memory for me.
Back in 1992 after I had recovered from cancer surgery and treatments, my family asked what I wanted to do for my birthday (which is on October 9th). Because of college, I hadn't been to this event for a few years, and I persuaded my family and fiance (now the FCP's wife) to forgo any presents and just join me at this BBQ. My mother got tickets for everyone, and they all joined me...my favorite hobby and my family together in the same room was very life affirming.
Anyway, tonight's event kicked off a little late, but soon got rolling as Judge Vern Preston got up and shared a few barbs about Democrats.
listen to Judge Vern Preston talk about Columbus Day or download the file
listen to Judge Vern Preston talk about famous books or download the file
For those who forget, Portman was a six-term Congressman from the Cincinnati area. He hit the national stage by serving on the House ways and Means committee, and later when he left to join GWB White House staff as a trade representative. He was later named budget director, but left the position this past June so he could spend more time with his wife and three children.
Portman might run for Governor or US Senate in a few years when Strickland or Brown come up for re-election...or maybe Voinovich will face a conservative challenge (unlikely, but possible considering some of the comments and votes he has made over the past few years). The crowd responded enthusiastically to his speech, and I believe he would make a great representative for the state.
I hope that the recordings and pictures are adequate. I am in the market for a nice unit to record audio at these events, so if you have any ideas, let me know.
-RSKnopfJr
Before you get excited, I did not discover several lost tape stocks featuring Gene Rayburn, Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly (although that would be pretty cool if I did).
Instead, I came across something interesting at USAToday; a match game where you answer questions about topical issues (you need to be honest when you respond), and you find out which of the Presidential candidates is a best match for you.
I took the test straight-up and these were my results...
USAToday also provides another little feature where you can emphasize (by moving an arrow) the issues that matter to you. You can see what was important to me, and who came out on top...
So, who are in your top 3 (no - this is not a cellular commercial)? Go ahead and take the test, slide the arrows how you want, and see what happens. Share your top 3 in the comments section, and check back often to see what others put. It is a fun way to see how our personal beliefs and political convictions match up with the individuals running for President.
Warning: the results may disturb you.
-RSKnopfJr
See what you miss when you don't wake up in the morning?
I had a great time. Trust me when I say that I am a little shy; but put me in front of a microphone or turn on a camera, and I...okay, I am still relatively reserved, but at least I didn't freeze up. Seriously, it was fun and I would gladly do it again, and isn't that what it is all about?
Thanks to my wife for going with me to get pictures!!
In case you want to hear how the interview went (give it a minute or so, we're on after the lunch menu - hmmmmmmm, tacos)...
-RSKnopfJr
In May 1989, I came back to Findlay after completing my first year of college at Xavier University. I needed a job for the summer, and was soon hired to work as a cashier at Meijer. The position required two weeks of training, and I started bright and early on a Monday morning by walking into a training class of a few dozen individuals...and I was the only male.
Normally, guys (especially 18-21 years old) will probably tell you that they would like being in that situation. However, if you ask people who know me, they will tell you I am not normal (as I am sure you have figured out). At that age, I was shy and had difficulty joking and opening up to others. I sat in the training room for two weeks, focusing on store policy and procedure instead of who was sitting in the room alongside me.
There were two women sitting in the room who were best friends. They went to high school together, they went to church together, and they had gone off to college together. Like myself, they were also looking for summer employment, and decided Meijer was as good a place as any to work. They wanted to be cashiers, and they wound up in the same class as me.
Now, I tell you all this because I did not go into this situation intending to find an individual to date...but someone else had another idea. It may sound like a Hollywood cliche, but upon seeing me for the first time, one of the friends turned to the other and said, "There's the man I am going to marry." And on January 1, 1993, her statement became a reality.
Why the little story? It is a little background on how I met the most important woman in my life...and today is her birthday. Theresa Ann (Rawlins) Knopf was born on July 14, and the pictures of her as a youngster confirm how cute she was. I think she matured and grew into being the most beautiful woman in the world (even though she thinks I need my eyes checked).
My wife has always been by my side, and I literally owe my life to her. We were dating, and one day she noticed a slight bump on my neck. I thought it was nothing, but at her insistence I went to see a doctor; I was informed a week later that I had cancer. After surgery, she rearranged her life to drive me to Medical College of Ohio every day for months of treatment. I do not want to get too graphic, but if a woman stays with you after you get 'sick' in her car (on more than one occasion), and after she sees you with hair and skin literally falling off of your body, all indications are she is a keeper.
Theresa has always supported me. When I decided to run for Republican Central Committee, she went out and got all the signatures I needed to get on the ballot. When I sent out my first mailing, she sat at our kitchen table licking and placing the stamps. When I lost, she held my hand and told me to look to the future. When I need to go to a government/political meeting, she has dinner ready when I get home. When I watch a debate or news show on TV, she sits there and offers observations that help me. When I have to sit down to write my blog, she understands I need some space and gives me the opportunity and time to get the job done.
I want you to know that my wife deserves a lot of the credit for the good in me. She keeps me centered and grounded, and is my reminder of what is important as we go through life together. For those of you who enjoy what I write, my wife has helped me get to this point in my life. I know this article will probably embarrass her, but that is fine with me; I have embarrassed her publicly before, and I will probably do it again (kids - this is fair warning).
Happy Birthday Gracie! I love you very much!!
-RSKnopfJr
Today’s entry has nothing to do with politics, but please bear with me…
When my oldest daughter Taylor was born in 1994, my sister got herself a puppy around the same time. Boomer (his name) has always had a connection with Taylor, as they have grown up together and ‘shared’ a birthday. Whenever Taylor’s birthday rolled around, we knew that it was time to get Boomer something to celebrate.
When my sister left for college, my mother and father took the dog and never gave him back. When my brother, sister and I were out of the house for good, Boomer was spoiled by my parents; he got to take naps in their bed, and my father always took Boomer to Archie’s for an ice cream cone ‘because Boomer wanted one’. When my mother passed away in 2001, you could tell from the look in Boomer’s eyes that he missed her. Boomer was my father’s constant companion, and helped him get through a very difficult time.
Boomer was always a good dog. He was laid back yet friendly. He would let you scratch his belly, back and head for as long as you could stand it. When we would eat something, he would lay patiently on the floor…his big brown eyes alert to what was going on…yet drooping (on purpose) to make sure we knew that we felt as guilty as possible and would eventually toss him part of a hamburger or piece of pizza. He has the goofiest grin, and his tongue always flopped out of his mouth to the side in a comical fashion.
As he got older, Boomer got more and more ill. He had cancer, and we knew that his time was short. When Boomer came to visit us, he had great difficulty walking up and down steps; he tried to jump around and play with my dogs, but he couldn’t. It was heartbreaking to watch him because you could tell that he WANTED to, but he was just not physically able to do so.
As someone once said, all good things must come to an end. Well, as I was writing Wednesday’s entry, my father called me. My father was in his study at home talking to my brother when Boomer came in and lay under the desk as he normally would – he just liked to be around people. After a few moments, his breathing got rough, and before anyone could do anything, Boomer passed away. Over the phone, my father’s voice reflected the sorrow he felt from the shocking and sudden death of his friend. I know that we will all miss him when we gather for my father’s birthday next week (July 4th).
I talked to my brother and asked him to bring Boomer by my home before he took him to the vet. When they got here, I was surprised how sad the moment was. The loss of a pet is poignant, and in my mind, Boomer was connected to the life of my daughter, and he was a link to the life of my mother. I am secure enough to admit that I shed a few tears when I rubbed his head for the last time. I hope he is in heaven with my mother, and they are enjoying each other’s company once again. Thanks for the memories Boomer – you will be missed!
Thanks for allowing me this deviation of topic. It may seem silly, but it is therapeutic to write this all down. FCPolitico will return tomorrow with an all new ‘Going Up…Going Down’.
-RSKnopfJr
I’m sorry I took yesterday off. My youngest daughter had a softball tournament, and by the time we got home, I was a little tired from the heat and the length of the game. While I was sitting at the game, I had an opportunity to talk to a few people with how this endeavor was going (it is going great!). I also had time to sit there and reflect upon a personal issue I wanted to share with you.
When presented with the opportunity to write this blog, I was keyed up...but at the same time, a little nervous. If you have read some of my past posts, you know that I really enjoy the art and science of politics; growing up in my household, I could not have it any other way, so the possibility of writing about the things I observe, or sharing my thoughts, is very exciting.
Like I said, I was also anxious. You know that I am a lifelong Republican, as is my family...well, for the most part. There is one member of my immediate family that decided that he leaned slightly toward the left. That fact by itself is not news worthy. There is, however, a flip-side that makes it an issue I want to share with you.
Since the beginning, I have struggled with how to deal with this issue. With the November elections coming quickly, and me sharing my personal endorsements of candidates I think are the best choice, I want everyone to know where I am coming from. Wanting to give you all the facts so you understand I am forthright, I want you to know that the Democrat in our family is my brother, Thomas.
Why does this matter? Because this November, he will be on the ballot; he is running for Mayor of Findlay. Over the next 120 days, I am sure that there will be occasions where I am going to comment about him or Pete Sehnert. I want you to know that even though a relative is running for an office, I will not (and cannot) show him any preference.
Thomas and I have had our share of discussions (ok, more like arguments) about various issues and candidates, and that will never end. Some may say that blood is stronger than politics, and they may be correct…but if I think something is a good idea, or a poor one, I have never hesitated from telling him…and I will not hesitate from sharing that with you either.
Up to tonight, the comments I have made about his opposition have been positive (in Tony Iriti’s case, up until he was defeated in the primary election). In the future, if you think I am being unfair, toward either Thomas or Pete, point it out either in the comments or e-mail me at flagcitypolitico@gmail.com. I want to make sure I give them, as well as all the candidates running for office, equal time and equal treatment. As a colleague of mine from work says on many occasions, “All voices heard”…so make sure you share yours with me and the rest of the FCPolitico readers.
-RSKnopfJr
With Father's Day upon us, you may wonder how this is relevant to a blog devoted to politics. Well, to me, it is very easy to make the connection. If it wasn't for my father, Ronald Stewart Knopf Sr, I would not be doing this.
When I was younger, this area has a Congressman named Tennyson Guyer. He was a great representative for this area and a person who cared about the individuals in his district. Growing up, my father worked on his campaigns for Congress...and I am proud to say, so did I. I remember roaming the neighborhoods to deliver pamphlets and yard signs to houses. On election night, we would stop by the Congressman's home to find out the election results and to offer him congratulations. At Christmas we would stop in to spread some holiday cheer. At Halloween, there was always candy to be has (his house was the last stop on our nightly trek). To me, this person was not a politician, he was a friend of the family.
With that influence at an early age, it was natural that I became interested in government and the political landscape. The first plane trip my father took our family on led us to Washington, D.C. and I fell in love with the city. I got to go on the floor of the House and see how they voted...I got to eat in the House dining room...and I had my picture taken in front of the Capitol with Congressman Guyer (and of course, my family). To a youngster, that is some pretty amazing stuff.
In 1980, my father took me with him to Detroit for the Republican National Convention. I remember being with him in the Renaissance Center and making phone calls to supporters from one of the meeting rooms. One night, we drove around the city to find a printer who was making Reagan/Kemp signs (my father's choice for VP). Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Hall (not to mention that hotel) were larger than life structures, and showed me how exciting politics could be.
You can see how my father helped me experience something that millions of other children will not have the privilege of knowing. Thanks to him, I do not have a negative view of politics, and when elections come around, I get really excited. He collects election memorabilia, and so do I. I am so enamored by the marketing that goes on during elections, I have created numerous versions of political signs and logos for candidates who have run (or running for office now). The love for politics, elections and government he helped me form has led me to the point of doing this blog (so you can blame him...lol).
I share a wonderful name with (he is Sr, I am Jr)...he attended Xavier University, and so did I...he worked in education, as I do now...he was a wonderful husband and father, and I am trying to be. My father is a great man and I owe for everything that I have become. I am extremely fortunate for the values and principles he has instilled in me. As some fathers and sons experience, we have had our fair share of disagreements; as I get older, however, I see how immature I was and the lessons he was trying to pass along to me were important.
From him, I have developed a love for my God, family, community and country. Thanks to my father, I have learned to not take things for granted: a drawing my girls make for me, my wife wanting to go for a walk on a crisp autumn night, a joke shared with a peer, breaking bread with a friend.
There is nothing I can say to adequately repay him for everything he has done for me. Unfortunately, my mother passed away before I could do the same for her. My father is very conservative with his feelings and emotions (being Republican, is there any other way?), so I am sure that me even writing this is somewhat uncomfortable for him (and as my father's son, it isn't that easy for me either...notice that I call him father...anything else is too informal).
So take time today to stop and see or call your father. Thank him for being there...thank him for helping teach you how to ride a bike...thank him for not being too upset when you got home after curfew...thank him for teaching you how to be an adult...and thank him for the little lessons he taught you every day that you now realize were pearls of wisdom. He won't be around forever, so make sure you do it now before you do not have the opportunity to say you love him.
Dad, thanks for giving me a great start to life's wonderful journey. I am where I am because of you, and it is a credit to you (and Mom) that I have a wonderful marriage, two beautiful daughters and am in a profession I love and care about. Thanks to you, I have the opportunity to share this story (and much more) with others. I hope it touches their lives like you have touched mine. Happy Father's Day! I love you!
-RSKnopfJr
Welcome to the Flag City Politico.
Over the next several weeks, months and (hopefully) years, we will explore the local, state and national political landscape. Together, we will try to understand what is happening in the political arena, and how decisions made by others can affect all of us.
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