Steve Abbott testifying on behalf of S.B. 84 on May 21st in Columbus [photo by Michael Salinger ] BIG news for poetry in Ohio: the State Senate is considering legislation that would create the post of Ohio Poet Laureate. The proposed law, Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), was introduced by Senator Eric Kearney, D-Cincinnati, (9th District). Under provision of the bill, the Ohio Arts Council would administer the selection process and provide recommendations to the Governor, who would make the final selection. Most other states have already established Poet Laureate posts. Ohio neighbors West Virginia and Indiana have two of the more successful programs. OPA Vice-President Chuck Salmons and Common Threads Editor Steve Abbott met with Senator Kearney on April 9 to discuss the bill, offering suggestions that OPA believes will strengthen it. These included shortening the term as Poet Laureate from four years to two ...