Bob Hagan
Encyclopedia
Robert F. Hagan is an American politician affiliated with the Democratic party who has held a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives
for the Sixtieth District since 2007. He represented the same seat from 1987 to 1997, and served in the Ohio Senate
from 1997 to 2006.
In 1986, he was elected to a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 53rd Ohio House district, centered on Youngstown, Ohio
. At the time, his father, Robert E. Hagan
, was also serving in the House. Between 1986 and 1990, the Hagans were the first father and son to simultaneously hold seats in the Ohio House of Representatives. Hagan served in the House for ten years. Hagan's brother, Timothy Hagan
, served for many years as a county commissioner in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
. In 2002, Tim Hagan was the Democratic nominee for the office of Governor of Ohio.
When incumbent Joseph Vukovich was appointed to a judiciary position in 1997, Hagan was chosen to succeed him in the Ohio Senate. He was appointed to the State Senate on February 12, 1997, to represent the 33rd district in northeastern Ohio
, centered on the city of Youngstown. During his time in there, he was chosen by the Senate Democratic caucus to serve as assistant minority whip in the 126th Ohio General Assembly
; however, he stepped down from his leadership post when he entered the election for State Representative.
In 2005, Hagan ran for mayor of Youngstown, hoping to replace outgoing mayor George McKelvey
. Although initially favored to win, he was defeated by independent candidate Jay Williams
.
A strong proponent of liberal agendas, Hagan occasionally uses satire
to make a point. In February 2006, he placed a spoof request for co-sponsors for a fictional piece of legislation called the "Republican Adoption Ban of 2006." The bill was meant as a response to HB 515, which was a ban on adoption by homosexual or bisexual people or couples, and in presenting the fake legislation Hagan cited so-called "credible research" indicating that children in Republican households had a host of emotional problems.
In April 2010, Bob Hagan co-sponsored a measure to legalize marijuana in Ohio. The bill, "would let doctor-certified medical marijuana users grow plants, but they would have to be kept in a locked room, greenhouse, garden or other enclosed area out of view.
. Against six others for the nomination, Hagan was won the primary with 37.59% of the vote. He won the general election with 58.08% of the vote against Republican John Johnson. Hagan, in 2008, won reelection with 84.9% of the vote again Republican Timothy Gordon.
Facing primary opposition for a third term in 2010, Hagan defeated Don Hanni with 70.59% of the vote for the nomination. He won the general election with 81.23% of the vote over Republican Daniel Thimons. For the 129th General Assembly, Hagan will serve on the committees of Commerce and Labor, Health and Aging and its Subcommittee on Retirement and Pensions (as ranking member), and Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security. He also serves on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.
With the city of Youngstown
being majorly pro-labor, Hagan had been against a bill that looks to limit collective bargaining
for public employees. While it was virtually inevitable that the bill will pass into law, Hagan vowed to lead an effort to overthrow it via a referendum
. A member of the committee hearing the bill, Hagan presented his colleagues with 65,000 petitions from individuals opposing the bill, which were ordered removed from the room by chairman Joe Uecker
. Hagan has cited a considerable amount of secrecy
and partisanship surrounding the legislation. He has called the bill simply a bust to unions. The bill ultimately passed the entire legislature.
Building off his opposition to S.B. 5, Hagan introduced legislation with Michael Foley
that would allow voters to recall the governor, other statewide officeholders and members of the General Assembly
. They stated that the measure was initiated by John Kasich
's low approval ratings and the outcry that occurred after S.B. 5.
A a staunch liberal
, Hagan is against measures that would allow drilling for oil
and natural gas
in Ohio state parks. In debate on the bill, which went on to pass the Ohio House of Representatives
, he went on to question whether Republicans who supported the measure were on drugs. He was later reprimanded for diving into personalities over the issue.
Hagan has also sought to fight gasoline prices through legislation to create the Ohio Gasoline Price Oversight Commission. Along with Ron Gerberry, Hagan hopes to help fight rising gasoline prices. "This legislation is a direct response to the sacrifice our constituents are making at the pumps," Rep. Hagan said.
On January 20, 2011 it was reported that Hagan had referred to someone during an online debate on Facebook
as a "buckwheat", a word that some consider to have racist connotations. Hagan said "buckwheat" was a term he had been using "since he was a kid" and that it carried no racial connotation for him.
Ohio House of Representatives
The Ohio House of Representatives is the lower house of the Ohio General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Ohio; the other house of the bicameral legislature being the Ohio Senate....
for the Sixtieth District since 2007. He represented the same seat from 1987 to 1997, and served in the Ohio Senate
Ohio Senate
The Ohio State Senate is the upper house of the Ohio General Assembly, the legislative body for the U.S. state of Ohio. There are 33 State Senators. The state legislature meets in the state capital, Columbus. The President of the Senate presides over the body when in session, and is currently Tom...
from 1997 to 2006.
Career
Before entering electoral politics, Hagan worked for 15 years as a locomotive engineer for CSX Transportation, which he still is involved with today.In 1986, he was elected to a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 53rd Ohio House district, centered on Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Mahoning County; it also extends into Trumbull County. The municipality is situated on the Mahoning River, approximately southeast of Cleveland and northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
. At the time, his father, Robert E. Hagan
Robert Hagan
Robert Emmet Hagan was an American politician of the Democratic Party.Hagan was an ironworker in Youngstown and served as a county commissioner in Trumbull County, Ohio, before being elected to the Ohio General Assembly in the district of his adopted hometown of Madison, Ohio...
, was also serving in the House. Between 1986 and 1990, the Hagans were the first father and son to simultaneously hold seats in the Ohio House of Representatives. Hagan served in the House for ten years. Hagan's brother, Timothy Hagan
Tim Hagan
Timothy Hagan , a Democrat, is an American politician in Ohio.-Early life:Hagan was born and grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, as one of fourteen siblings . Hagan's father, Bob, was a Trumbull County Commissioner and, later, a State Representative. After graduating from Ursuline High School...
, served for many years as a county commissioner in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Cuyahoga County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. It is the most populous county in Ohio; as of the 2010 census, the population was 1,280,122. Its county seat is Cleveland. Cuyahoga County is part of Greater Cleveland, a metropolitan area, and Northeast Ohio, a...
. In 2002, Tim Hagan was the Democratic nominee for the office of Governor of Ohio.
When incumbent Joseph Vukovich was appointed to a judiciary position in 1997, Hagan was chosen to succeed him in the Ohio Senate. He was appointed to the State Senate on February 12, 1997, to represent the 33rd district in northeastern Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, centered on the city of Youngstown. During his time in there, he was chosen by the Senate Democratic caucus to serve as assistant minority whip in the 126th Ohio General Assembly
Ohio General Assembly
The Ohio General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Ohio. It consists of the 99-member Ohio House of Representatives and the 33-member Ohio Senate...
; however, he stepped down from his leadership post when he entered the election for State Representative.
In 2005, Hagan ran for mayor of Youngstown, hoping to replace outgoing mayor George McKelvey
George McKelvey
George M. McKelvey is an American politician. A Democrat, he served two terms as Mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, from 1998 to 2005. Prior to serving as mayor, he served two terms as the Treasurer of Mahoning County...
. Although initially favored to win, he was defeated by independent candidate Jay Williams
Jay Williams (politician)
Roy Kojo Jawara Williams is the executive director of the federal Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, and the former mayor of Youngstown, Ohio. His election in 2005 gained local and regional media attention because it brought Youngstown its first African-American mayor as well...
.
A strong proponent of liberal agendas, Hagan occasionally uses satire
Satire
Satire is primarily a literary genre or form, although in practice it can also be found in the graphic and performing arts. In satire, vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, and society itself, into improvement...
to make a point. In February 2006, he placed a spoof request for co-sponsors for a fictional piece of legislation called the "Republican Adoption Ban of 2006." The bill was meant as a response to HB 515, which was a ban on adoption by homosexual or bisexual people or couples, and in presenting the fake legislation Hagan cited so-called "credible research" indicating that children in Republican households had a host of emotional problems.
In April 2010, Bob Hagan co-sponsored a measure to legalize marijuana in Ohio. The bill, "would let doctor-certified medical marijuana users grow plants, but they would have to be kept in a locked room, greenhouse, garden or other enclosed area out of view.
Ohio House of Representatives, Second Tenure
Unsuccessful in his bid for Mayor of Youngstown, Hagan sought to return to Ohio House of Representatives to succeed term limited Sylvester PattonSylvester Patton
Sylvester Patton is a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, succeeded by Bob Hagan.-Marriage and children:Married to the former Juanell C. Spooney, they have two children; Rev. Sylvester Delaney Patton, III and Marcus Patton -External links:*...
. Against six others for the nomination, Hagan was won the primary with 37.59% of the vote. He won the general election with 58.08% of the vote against Republican John Johnson. Hagan, in 2008, won reelection with 84.9% of the vote again Republican Timothy Gordon.
Facing primary opposition for a third term in 2010, Hagan defeated Don Hanni with 70.59% of the vote for the nomination. He won the general election with 81.23% of the vote over Republican Daniel Thimons. For the 129th General Assembly, Hagan will serve on the committees of Commerce and Labor, Health and Aging and its Subcommittee on Retirement and Pensions (as ranking member), and Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security. He also serves on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.
Collective bargaining
With the city of Youngstown
Youngstown
Youngstown may refer to:A place*Canada**Britannia Youngstown, Edmonton, Alberta**Youngstown, Alberta*United States**Youngstown, Florida**Youngstown, Indiana**Youngstown, New York**Youngstown, Ohio***Youngstown State University...
being majorly pro-labor, Hagan had been against a bill that looks to limit collective bargaining
Collective bargaining
Collective bargaining is a process of negotiations between employers and the representatives of a unit of employees aimed at reaching agreements that regulate working conditions...
for public employees. While it was virtually inevitable that the bill will pass into law, Hagan vowed to lead an effort to overthrow it via a referendum
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
. A member of the committee hearing the bill, Hagan presented his colleagues with 65,000 petitions from individuals opposing the bill, which were ordered removed from the room by chairman Joe Uecker
Joe Uecker
Joe Uecker is a Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, who has represented the 66th District since 2005. He is the Chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee.-Career:...
. Hagan has cited a considerable amount of secrecy
Secrecy
Secrecy is the practice of hiding information from certain individuals or groups, perhaps while sharing it with other individuals...
and partisanship surrounding the legislation. He has called the bill simply a bust to unions. The bill ultimately passed the entire legislature.
Governor recall
Building off his opposition to S.B. 5, Hagan introduced legislation with Michael Foley
Michael Foley (Ohio politician)
Michael Foley is a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 14th District since 2006.-Career:Prior to his time in the House, Foley had worked as director of the Cleveland Tenants Organization, as well as a court administrator, bailiff and community organizer.-Ohio House of...
that would allow voters to recall the governor, other statewide officeholders and members of the General Assembly
General assembly
General assembly may refer to an official meeting of the members of a trade union, church, association, or similar organization, or of their representatives, in particular:-Governing bodies of international organizations:*The United Nations General Assembly...
. They stated that the measure was initiated by John Kasich
John Kasich
John Richard Kasich is the 69th and current Governor of Ohio. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing from 1983 to 2001...
's low approval ratings and the outcry that occurred after S.B. 5.
Environmental issues
A a staunch liberal
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
, Hagan is against measures that would allow drilling for oil
Oil
An oil is any substance that is liquid at ambient temperatures and does not mix with water but may mix with other oils and organic solvents. This general definition includes vegetable oils, volatile essential oils, petrochemical oils, and synthetic oils....
and natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
in Ohio state parks. In debate on the bill, which went on to pass the Ohio House of Representatives
Ohio House of Representatives
The Ohio House of Representatives is the lower house of the Ohio General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Ohio; the other house of the bicameral legislature being the Ohio Senate....
, he went on to question whether Republicans who supported the measure were on drugs. He was later reprimanded for diving into personalities over the issue.
Hagan has also sought to fight gasoline prices through legislation to create the Ohio Gasoline Price Oversight Commission. Along with Ron Gerberry, Hagan hopes to help fight rising gasoline prices. "This legislation is a direct response to the sacrifice our constituents are making at the pumps," Rep. Hagan said.
Controversies
In 2010 Hagan was assaulted at the Lemon Grove, a bar located in Youngstown, Ohio. He was punched in the face after a verbal altercation with a fellow customer, and was treated with several stitches at the hospital.On January 20, 2011 it was reported that Hagan had referred to someone during an online debate on Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
as a "buckwheat", a word that some consider to have racist connotations. Hagan said "buckwheat" was a term he had been using "since he was a kid" and that it carried no racial connotation for him.