“Fear is a Liar”
by Mary Toth, Grateful Givers, Class of 2023
Members of the 2023 Leadership Medina Signature Class and Junior Leadership Class recently participated in a State Government Day trip to Columbus. This day proved to be an impactful and inspiring experience for both the seasoned business leaders and impressionable students. After meeting state government elected officials and visiting Ohio government buildings, attendees left with feelings of pride, patriotism, inspiration, appreciation, and for some, a calling to public service in some capacity. The historic buildings the group toured are public treasures, not only to residents of Ohio, but also to all Americans who value and respect our country’s great democracy.
The first stop of the day was The Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, which opened in 1933, and was known as the ‘Ohio Departments Building’. This structure, which was once called ‘Ohio’s Pride’ eventually fell into disrepair. After years of decline and decay, the historic building underwent extensive renovations from 2000-2004. When it reopened, it became solely devoted to housing the Ohio judicial branch and home of The Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. The Grand Concourse and marble hallways, brass plaques and sculptures, and historic artwork that richly detail the building of Ohio’s commerce and infrastructure, are awe-inspiring. Perhaps the most impressive space is the majestic Supreme Court Courtroom, with rich tapestries and intricate murals that rival buildings of the Vatican City. The doors of this judicial center are open to all, and every Ohio resident and Columbus visitor should try to see this historic state treasure.
While at the Moyer Center, Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy spoke to the group, presenting her personal biographical narrative, in the grandeur of the Ohio Supreme Court courtroom. Her message to the group was “if you can dream it, you can do it” and “use your fears and self-doubts to fuel your ambitions”. Her rise to the Ohio Chief Justice was a story of ‘overcoming’ and indeed very inspiring. Kennedy’s evident compassion for those needing ‘a second chance’, and her tireless efforts to assist veterans struggling with reacclimation into society, are both rooted deeply in her own family background. Chief Justice Kennedy uses these convictions, among others, to interpret and uphold the constitutional laws of our statehood and our country. Her pride and dedication were evident as she described the personal sacrifices of her public office.
See all of the photos from State Government Day at https://photos.app.goo.gl/CnMjwcDTeX9R3FfR8
After listening to Chief Justice Kennedy’s presentation, the group remained in the courtroom to listen to an oral argument presented to the Ohio Supreme Court; Case 2022-0724: Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association v. City of Cleveland. With cases only heard by the Ohio Supreme Court two mornings a week, every other week, it was very fortunate that the tour coincided with this hearing. Listening to the attorneys present their arguments while the Supreme Court Justices asked questions and challenged attorneys’ statements was fascinating. The argument itself, which deliberated a few finepoint interpretations of the law, was a bit challenging to follow due to legalese. It was still, however, a tremendous opportunity to see the Supreme Court of Ohio and our state justice system ‘live’ in its highest and yet most fundamental form.
The group proceeded to hear from several Ohio state legislative members over lunch at the Athletic Club of Columbus. The elected officials present included; State Representative Sharon Ray (R – Wadsworth), State Representative Melanie Miller (R – Ashland), and State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R – District 22, which includes Medina, Ashland and Mansfield). Similar to Chief Justice Kennedy, these leaders also shared each of their personal and professional narratives that led them to public office. Their messages of overcoming nay-sayers, the importance of ‘exiting your comfort zone’, the necessity of finding good role models, and the nobility of public service all resonated deeply. Two of these elected officials, Sharon Ray and Melanie Miller, proved to be strong female role models and both leaders directed their powerful and inspiring comments specifically to the Junior Leadership attendees.
Following lunch the group went to the Ohio State House to tour another grand and historic structure. The tour began in the basement ‘Map Room’ and also included a walk through the immense Rotunda, the cornerstone of the State House. The group visited the House Chamber, which was quiet because the House was not in session at the time. While in the space, it was easy to imagine the ‘hustle and bustle’ that must occur while the room is full of state legislators animated in their speeches and debates. It is, as described by Representative Sharon Ray, “not the orderly scene you might imagine, but rather lots of activity and even controlled chaos at times”. The business conducted on the floor is streamed live while the House is in session, again making our state government readily accessible to all Ohio residents.
Wandering through the lower-level galleries of the Ohio State House museum, many interesting facts can be found. Here are a few points of interest to be discovered when reading the exhibits…. While the term ‘Grand Jury’ is commonplace, many do not know that the state relies on a grand jury to begin all felony cases. The jury, composed of nine randomly-selected people, decides if the state has enough evidence to bring felony charges against a person alleged to have committed a crime. Unlike a jury trial, which has twelve jurors, grand jurors may ask the witnesses questions directly. This was timely information to individuals from Northeast Ohio, just as the Grand Jury was deliberating the Jayland Walker case in Akron. Another interesting trivia fact regarding the judicial branch of our government is that Ohio has 329 Mayor’s Courts, where minor disputes can be decided by a mayor – whether or not he or she is a lawyer.
Overall, the Leadership Medina County State Government day was impactful in big and small ways. Both the impressive structures housing the branches of government, and the public officials creating and upholding the laws of our land, are sources of great pride and patriotism. For one Signature Class attendee, the single most impactful message was delivered by Chief Justice Kennedy who made reference to a song by Zach Williams titled ‘Fear Is a Liar’. She encouraged the group to look up the lyrics and listen to the message they contain….so now it’s your turn to be curious and find out how you too can be inspired.
Fear Is a Liar – Zach Williams
When he told you you’re not good enough
When he told you you’re not right
When he told you you’re not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you’re not worthy
When he told you you’re not loved
When he told you you’re not beautiful
That you’ll never be enough
Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar
When he told you you were troubled
You’ll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You’ll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you you could be the one
That grace could never change
Fear he is a liar…..
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob you your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar
Let your fire fall and cast out all my fears
Let your fire fall Your love is all I feel
Let your fire fall and cast out all my fears
Let your fire fall Your love is all I feel