5/20/2013
I received the list of Ohio Child Support Guideline Council members and what sectors they represent from the state. I am questioning the inclusion of three members and have asked for additional information on those two of those three members. You will see why in my comments below.
Membership of the following I do not question as they are required by law.
Sarah Fields - Child Support Enforcement Agencies
Eric Johnson – Attorneys in DR Practice
Kim Newsom-Bridges – (Other persons) Head of CSEA Directors Association
Mike Smalz – (Other persons) Ohio Poverty Center
Senator Scott Oelslager (R)
Senator Shirley Smith (D)
Senator Dave Burke (R)
Representative Tracy Heard (D)
Representative Anne Gonzales (R)
Representative Dorothy Pelanda (R)
HOWEVER, I do question these two members.
Steve Killpack (Obligors)
Phyllis Carlson-Riehm (Obligees)
Magistrate Serpil Ergun - DR or JV Courts (Cuyahoga Country DRC)
(ORC 3119.024) Is specific on
who can be appointed to this Council.
Membership
Ohio law requires the Child Support Guidelines
Advisory Council to consist of:
• Child support obligors
• Child support obligees
• Judges of courts of common pleas who have jurisdiction
over domestic relations cases
• Attorneys whose practice includes a significant
number of domestic relations cases
• Representatives of child support enforcement
agencies
• Other persons interested in the welfare of
children
• Three members of the Senate appointed by the
President of the Senate (no more than 2 from the same party)
• Three members of the House of Representatives
appointed by the Speaker of the House (no more than 2 from the same party)
I have asked for proof that these two members do fit the requirements of the law.
To meet those requirements Steve Killpack would have to be paying child support and Ms. Carlson-Reihm would have to be receiving child support.
I have researched both of them.
As to Steve Killpack, I can find no court case or child support order. He is a married man who sits on the Ohio Fatherhood Commission. He does not meet the statutory requirements of having a place on this council.
With Ms. Carlson-Reihm, I find strong ties to ACTION OHIO Coalition For Battered Women. This does not meet the statutory requirements. I have not found a court case that indicates that she is an obligee.
With Magistrate Serpil Ergun, the statutory requirements are clear this is to be a judge. While a magistrate may make many of the same decisions that a judge makes they are not accountable to the citizens. The rulings must be approved by a judge in the end.
This process will be done properly and fairly. The only way that we will get fair results is with a fair and balanced review from the legally required members. Ohio Child Support is loaded with problems that need to be addressed and done so in a fair manner. All problems must be addressed comprehensively and with consideration of all factors not just an “across the board” raising of the rates through new tables.
I have multiple people, as well as myself, who are more than willing to fill the Obligor’s role in this and assist with the changes that we need. I can explain the outcome that would happen based on every factor that is being considered and has been studying this problem for years. Some protections must be built into this to protect those who are affected in the future as well as those who are subject to current orders.
I am, as I have always been, ready and willing to help improve the situation for all families in the State of Ohio. My phone contact and email information are listed below and I am available 24/7 to any of you for discussion of these problems.
Ray R. Lautenschlager
Legislative Director
