Political Parties Not Good For US

“There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.” - John Adams – Much evidence leads to the conclusion that our founding fathers feared a two party system, the reasons and endless and since then their suspicions have been reinforced apparently accurate. In a country where we openly vote, share our political views, and have access to information unprecedented in history, our election appetite is declining, voter apathy is the consensus and pessimism is rampant. George Washington, was an unopposed, two-term president, however his self-removal from office after 8 years gave rise to our two-party system, as John Adams (Federalist), ran against Thomas Jefferson (anti-federalist), which many argue is the inception of our now liberal and conservative party agendas. The birth of our two-party system has spawned what every business man can tell you are natural – organizational self-survival. The party system has led to its own autonomy, separated from its origin. When a politician puts “the good of the party”, above morality, common sense, or the greater good, that is an example of an organization doing what is necessary to survive. The two party systems has led to career politicians focusing not on their constituents, but re-election and personal gain, priorities do not lie with those they represent, but with their financial backers and party platform. As an example, my ballot had five candidate races – three at large council seats, one ward council seat, and president of council seat. All seats but one were unopposed (the president of council seat which was easily won). My ballot was an embarrassment to the democratic republic once designed many years ago. The two political parties have a stronghold on my voting power, not only on a national level, but local as well. As a consciousness voter, any race with a candidate unopposed, I left that candidate race blank. Some may bring about the fact that the local primaries had contested races, which are a valid argument, however what I say to that is, once again my choice is limited. Primaries simply separate two like-minded candidates from the same political party, who have the same values and message while the true vote lies with party bosses (whom we never vote for), who create the message, decides who represents the party in elections, and essentially crafts the future for local politics. Lorain County has approximately 200,000 registered voters, this past Tuesday about 28 percent of them voted. Pundits will say it is because there was no governor’s race or presidential race, and I agree, however it must also be noted how local politics have a stronghold on their communities, picking and choosing who will represent their party on Election Day, when in fact, it should be the other way around. There are several reasons for our current state of political apathy aside from what is spoken above, such as the need for campaign finance reform, gerrymandering, and political action committees, and closed primaries, but for the purpose of this article those topics will not be discussed. Our democracy today is a system of us and those, career politicians put salary above constituents, making decisions based on electability and party cohesiveness instead of making choices for the good of those they have been elected to serve and represent. Across our world people threatened with violence and even death if they vote. Some are paid for their vote, and some are given promises or food and shelter, yet in America voters live in apathy and in many cases have a pessimistic attitude toward the value of their vote. But like many, I feel change is not only possible, it is coming. Somewhere along the way we have fundamentally changed how we pick our leaders, today we ask people to change their agenda in exchange for a vote, when we should be electing those whose agenda we naturally and fundamentally call our own. I can feel this change happening, the people are tired of electing those who do not share the same concerns, who do not have the same tribulations, who have never stepped in your living room, or said hello. We must revert back to where parties back the people, not people backing the parties.

City of Lorain Wants a More Diverse Workforce

Monday Aug. 12 Lorain Safety/Service Director Robert Fowler and Deputy Service Director Leon Mason conducted an open meeting at Greater St. Mathew’s A.M.E. Church to send a message to not only those in attendance but to all Lorain residents. “We need to change the workforce because it is not a reflection of the people we serve,” Fowler said. He spoke about the low percentage of minorities employed by the city of Lorain, despite the city being comprised of over 42 percent minority. But the question at the meeting was; why? Is it lack of skills? Does the minority population in Lorain not know about the job openings? Does a lack of self-confidence deter applicants? The consensus at the meeting was all the above. Fowler stated it is a passion of his to change the makeup of the workforce and his department will do what they can to make city employment reflect the demographics of the city. Fowler also aims to decrease “barriers to employment” and to defunct myths about the city of Lorain. Applications are now available online as opposed to having to go to city hall within business hours and pick up a paper application. Also, currently applicants only have a two week window to apply; Fowler is working on expanding the window to a month. Also, mimicking the city of Cleveland, plans are in the works to allow study sessions for civil service exams, which allow test takers to have a better understanding of the test format. Also, debunking another myth - can people with a felony apply for city jobs? Yes. There are some jobs felons legally cannot have, but there are some in the city that are available. Several months ago the city held an exam for an entry level cleaner position requiring no experience, Fowler said there were about 30 applicants with zero minority applicants. Currently when a job becomes available the city posts the job on their web site, www.cityoflorain.org as well as the local papers on Saturdays. “I feel like we are not getting the message out”, Fowler said. But that was the end goal of the meeting - how to get the word out. The 75 plus people in attendance provided their contact information, so those in attendance will be notified as soon as jobs become open, so ask your church leader, ask your community leader, ask your friend, when a job becomes available, apply. If the city is making the effort the people must respond.

City of lorain wants to hire you

The city of Lorain is looking for more Lorain residents to apply for city employment.

In a recent community meeting, city officials noted only 30 applicants applied for a cleaning position and indicated no applicants were minorities.

Which in a city with about 42 percent minority is not good?

A dialogue began about why more people do not apply and specifically, why there were no minority applications.  The common theme was lack of knowing there was an opening, hesitation to apply based on past criminal record, and belief in the “gold old’ boy network”, which would lake applying worthless. 

A follow up meeting is scheduled for August 12 at 6pm to develop a plan of action to get more Lorain residents to apply preliminary ideas include canvassing certain neighborhoods to let residents know of the openings and specifically, more minority applicants.  For more information email

Marcustitoatkinson#att.net

Martin case brings to light need for change

Saturday July 20 the International Council for Urban Peace, Justice and Empowerment of Lorain County organized a rally at Veteran’s Park, downtown Lorain.  The rally was to show solidarity for the injustice which came upon the life of Trayvon and to show support for his family.  Despite opposition, the rally in Lorain was not only peaceful, it was beautiful.  The voices of those who have died and have unsolved cases were heard, the voice of those who feel oppressed were heard and the voice of those who have no hope were heard.

The rally spoke of the importance healing our community, and about the importance of educating ourselves to take back our streets from crime, to demand justice in a system that all too often appears to be unjust.

No child is born with hate and no child is born inferior, yet somewhere in our teachings we are stereotyped, profiled, and classified, creating a system with clear lines of social, economical and political divisions, and these divisions become engrained in the conscious of our young people.    

The ICUPJE of Lorain County aims to empower each one of us to take hold of their life situation, don’t accept inferiority, don’t accept violence on your street, and don’t accept poverty, educate our youth, respect each other and be the change.

Juneteenth: What is there to celebrate?

“In accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor,”
 

Those are words from executive orders number 3, spoken by Union General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865 in Galveston Texas. Despite the Civil War being over, and despite the Emancipation Proclamation going into effect January 1 of 1883 and though the Civil War had been over for more than two months, Texas missed the memo.

Granger and his 2,000 Union troops has made their notch in American history and today the sons and daughters of former slaves celebrate Juneteenth as the day of freedom; free from bondage, free from oppression, and from inequality.

However, over a century later, slavery has been replaced with a veil of bondage, oppression, and inequality through our prisons, our school systems, and crony capitalism.  

Therefore, generations later, we have yet to be free; we have yet to truly gain the ability to live our dream.  We kill each other, we destroy our will, our spirit, and we have abandoned our past under false pretenses of salvation.

That is why 50 years after the height of the Civil Rights movement, we must empower our brothers and sisters, demand peace in our neighborhoods, seek true justice in those we have chosen to protect, serve and govern our communities, and empower our brothers and sisters with the knowledge of self.

The Urban Peace Justice and Empowerment movement aims to finally bring equality to those who became free January 1 1883 by acknowledging our streets need healing, our bodies need cleansing, and souls must be submissive to something bigger than ourselves.

Rep. Clyde renews demand for records in investigation into major voter registration failure

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) today sent a letter to Governor Kasich and Secretary of State Jon Husted seeking answers about the second major failure in six months to update tens of thousands of Ohioans' voter registrations.  BMV customers who update their address online have a right to have that update serve as voter registration. Since the BMV began sharing this data with the Secretary of State, the transmissions have come in months later than the law requires potentially causing major problems for voters and poll workers. The letter is below:

            April 30, 2013

The Honorable John Kasich

Governor

77 S. High Street, 30^th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

The Honorable Jon Husted

Secretary of State

180 E. Broad Street, 16th floor

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Governor Kasich & Secretary Husted,

I just learned on Friday that the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the Ohio Secretary of State’s office have again failed to transmit months of voter registration updates to the 88 Boards of Elections in a timely manner.  This mistake could once again adversely impact thousands of Ohio voters and potentially mean that votes cast in good faith by Ohio citizens will not be counted.

This is a repeat of the major mistake made during the November 2012 election cycle when nearly 100,000 Ohio voters’ registration updates made through the BMV were sent to local Boards of Election just days before a major presidential election.  I do not understand how your offices could make this same mistake twice.  We can and we must do better.

The federal “Motor Voter” law requires the BMV to send voter registration data to election officials within 5 to 10 days of acceptance. See 42 USC § 1973GG–3(e). Ohio law requires registrations to be transmitted from the BMV to election officials within 5 days.  See ORC 3503.11.  It is inexcusable that Ohio continues to be out of compliance with these laws, especially when Ohioans’ rights to vote are at stake.

The failure of the BMV and the Secretary of State’s office to transmit the voter registration updates in a timely manner adversely impacts voters in a variety of ways.  Some voters who have requested absentee ballots at their new address will have had those requests denied because their registration updates were not transmitted in time.  Even worse, other voters’ absentee ballots could be rejected because they have sent them in before these updates have gone through.  Still other voters will not know their correct polling place because they were not notified of the new location in a timely manner.  These voters may be forced to cast provisional ballots that have a strong chance of being rejected. 

At the same time, Board of Elections workers will have to work overtime to update these registrations and counties will have to pay to reprint thousands of precinct poll books because of this mistake.  Had these registrations been sent to the counties just a few weeks earlier, the reprinting of poll books could have been avoided.  As it is, voters and local governments will have to bear the cost of this huge error.

I have repeatedly sought records from the Secretary of State on the last major failure to timely update tens of thousands of Ohioans’ voter registrations and have thus far not received the requested records.  I renew my request for the data file that was transmitted from the BMV to the Secretary of State’s office in October of 2012 and I make a new request for the data file that was transmitted from the BMV to the Secretary of State’s office in recent weeks.  As with the original request, I ask for the files to be in table format such as Excel, comma-delimited text, or other similar format. 

Investigation of these records is absolutely critical to understanding this situation and to preventing it from ever happening again.  I look forward to your prompt response. 

Respectfully,

STATEWIDE PROJECTS TO CREATE $56 MILLION IN NEW PAYROLL

More Than 1,300 Jobs To Be Created Over The Next Three Years

 COLUMBUS – Today Governor John R. Kasich announced the approval of assistance for 15 projects set to create 1,328 jobs and retain 2,681 jobs statewide. During their monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. Collectively the projects are expected to result in more than $56 million in new payroll, and spu approximately $190 million in investment across Ohio.

Projects approved by the TCA include:

G-TEKT North America Corporation (Location TBD) expects to create 77 full-time positions, generating $4.4 million in additional annual payroll as a result of the company’s new project at a to-be-determined location. G-TEKT participates in new automobile development by auto manufacturers. The TCA approved a 55 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Realeflow, LLC and G.R. Clement Inc. (Location TBD) expects to create 15 full-time positions, generating $900,000 in additional annual payroll and retaining $827,000 in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion at a project at a to-be-determined location. Realeflow is a software development company. The TCA approved a 35 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

CENTRAL OHIO

G-TEKT North America Corporation, Village of West Jefferson (Madison Co.) expects to create 23 full-time positions, generating $745,915 in additional annual payroll as a result of the company’s new project in the Village of West Jefferson (Madison Co.). G-TEKT participates in new automobile development by auto manufacturers. The TCA approved a 55 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Print Syndicate LLC, City of Columbus (Franklin Co.) expects to create 150 full-time positions, generating $5.6 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $432,000 in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the City of Columbus (Franklin Co.). Print Syndicate is a design, marketing and technology company. The TCA approved a 45 percent, five-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Safelite Group, Inc., City of Columbus (Franklin Co.) expects to create 350 full-time positions, generating $14 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $44 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the City of Columbus (Franklin Co.). Safelite Group repairs and supplies auto glass. The TCA approved a 65 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Westerman, Inc., Village of Bremen (Fairfield Co.) expects to create 24 full-time positions, generating $1.2 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $11 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the Village of Bremen (Fairfield Co.). Westerman is a manufacturer of products for global energy, marine and industrial end markets. The TCA approved a 35 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

NORTHEAST OHIO

Cole Tool & Die Company, City of Ontario (Richland Co.) expects to create 47 full-time positions, generating $2.5 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $1.1 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the City of Ontario (Richland Co.). Cole Tool & Die Company provides tooling and stamping for the automotive, appliance, aircraft, electronic, military, farm, heavy equipment and heavy truck industries. The TCA approved a 50 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Next Generation Films, Inc., Village of Lexington (Richland Co.) expects to create 100 full-time positions, generating $3 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $9.4 in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the Village of Lexington (Richland Co.). Next Generation Films manufactures flexible packaging. The TCA approved a 45 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

SOUTHWEST OHIO

5Me, LLC, Union Township (Clermont Co.) expects to create 62 full-time positions, generating $4.7 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s start up project in Union Township (Clermont Co.).  5Me creates manufacturing software, equipment, tooling and manufacturing consulting services. The TCA approved a 50 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Festo Americas LLC, City of Mason (Warren Co.) expects to create 250 full-time positions, generating $10.3 million in additional annual payroll as a result of the company’s new location project in the City of Mason (Warren Co.). Festo specializes in both factory and process automation. The TCA approved a 70 percent, 12-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

WESTERN OHIO

Malt Products Corporation, City of Dayton (Montgomery Co.) expects to create 30 full-time positions, generating $1.5 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $1.76 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s retention project in the City of Dayton (Montgomery Co.). Malt Products produces natural sweeteners. The TCA approved a 45 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Timbertech Limited, City of Wilmington (Clinton Co.) expects to create 85 full-time positions, generating $2.7 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $13 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the City of Wilmington (Clinton Co.). Timbertech researches, develops and markets decks, railings and fences. The TCA approved a 50 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

NORTHWEST OHIO

National Machinery LLC and NM Group Global LLC, City of Tiffin (Seneca Co.) expects to create 64 full-time positions, generating $2.6 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $20 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the City of Tiffin (Seneca Co.). National Machinery designs, develops and manufactures cold forming machines that produce metal parts for coiled wire, bars, slugs and preforms. The TCA approved a 45 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Rexam Beverage Can Company, City of Fremont (Sandusky Co.) expects to create 26 full-time positions, generating $1.5 million in additional annual payroll and retaining $7.1 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the City of Fremont (Sandusky Co.). Rexam Beverage Can Company is a beverage can manufacturer. The TCA approved a 40 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

SOUTHEAST OHIO

McWane, Inc., City of Coshocton (Coshocton Co.) expects to create 25 full-time positions, generating $800,000 in additional annual payroll and retaining $19.2 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in the City of Coshocton (Coshocton Co.). McWane manufactures iron pipe and fittings for the waterworks industry. The TCA approved a 40 percent, six-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.

Press Release: Ohio house minoirty leader wants jobsohio investigated

Statement from House Democratic Leader on JobsOhio Controversy

Legislative fix needed to establish clear pay-to-play protections, better transparency

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Minority Leader Armond Budish released the following statement today regarding the developing controversy over JobsOhio.  Recent reports have revealed that the Kasich administration transferred more than $5 million dollars of taxpayer money to JobsOhio without proper legislative approval. Gov. Kasich and his administration are now refusing to answer questions and cooperate with a subpoena by state Auditor Dave Yost to audit JobsOhio and the possible improper use of state funds.

“When Gov. John Kasich first proposed creating JobsOhio, House Democrats raised serious concerns about a fundamental lack of transparency and accountability in the legislation. Recent news reports showing the that Kasich Administration has quietly shifted $5 million in taxpayer money into JobsOhio validates our original concerns and warrants a serious legislative effort to ensure clear pay-to-play protections and increased transparency.

“While I believe it is clear that the State Auditor has the authority to inspect the financial records of JobsOhio, I would absolutely support and encourage legislation to ensure that there is no ambiguity on this issue. Additionally, I believe much more needs to be done and will be working with members to push the necessary legislative fixes either through the amendment process or as stand alone legislation.

“These legislative fixes must include reversing previous efforts to exempt JobsOhio from basic public records and state ethics laws. We will work to ensure that the Inspector General has the same ability to investigate JobsOhio as he does with respect to other state agencies. We will also seek greater financial disclosure from Board members and those companies that are awarded funds from JobsOhio.

“I believe theses accountability and pay-to-play protections are absolutely necessary if JobsOhio is going to be successful – which is a goal we all share. Right now, however, there is a dark cloud of secrecy and suspicion hovering over JobsOhio and a heavy dose of sunshine is the only remedy. It is outrageous that the majority leadership has suggested that they intend to introduce legislation to cover-up potential wrongdoing by prohibiting the State Auditor from auditing JobsOhio.”

What ohio gov. john kasich did last week

From the Governor's office:

WEEK IN REVIEW

Saturday, February 9 through Friday, February 15, 2013

Monday, February 11, 2013

• Governor John R. Kasich announced the reappointment of Lisa J. Krauss of Tiffin (Seneca Co.) to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.
• Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor spoke with WHLO Akron’s Jim Albright during his morning show on the Common Sense Initiative, Ohio’s improved business climate, job creation numbers, and school funding.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

• Kasich joined Huhtamaki executives to celebrate the announcement that the company’s new converting facility and distribution center will be located in Batavia (Clermont Co.).
• Kasich announced the reappointment of Captain Rob E. Jackson of Lancaster (Fairfield Co.) to the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

• Kasich delivered remarks at the Ohio Bankers League Economic Summit in Columbus (Franklin Co.).
• Kasich spoke at the Ohio Newspaper Association Convention opening reception in Columbus.
• Kasich announced the appointments of Dr. Peter J. Kambelos of Cincinnati (Hamilton Co.), Dr. Rajbir Minhas of Cincinnati (Hamilton Co.), and Robert W. McKenna, Jr. of Cincinnati (Hamilton Co.) to the Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Board of Trustees.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

• Kasich announced the appointments of Darrell L. McNair of Aurora (Portage Co.)  to the Minority Development Financing Advisory Board and Brent L. Currence of Lancaster (Fairfield Co.) to the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee.

Friday, February 15, 2013 

• Kasich announced the appointment of M. Beth Trombold of Columbus (Franklin Co.) to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and the appointments of Sheriff Ronald J. Myers of Scio (Harrison Co.), Michael R. Rankin of Powell (Franklin Co.), Paul R. Jellison of Wilmington (Clinton Co.), and Harry W. Trombitas of Dublin (Franklin Co.) to the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee.

News of the Week

Cincinnati Enquirer: "Kasich's Priority is Graduation- editorial"

Wall Street Journal: "A Buckeye Tax Reform- editorial"

Cincinnati Enquirer: “Kasich plan brings needed flexibility, resources to classrooms- guest writer"

Plain Dealer: "Kasich's budget plan unveiled in full as House Bill 59"

Columbus Dispatch: "Mentally ill benefit in Kasich budget"

WTVN: “State says insurance savings hit a record”

Columbus Dispatch: “Prices of coverage for home, auto insurance keep rising”

The Business Journal: “Business Leaders Warn of Regulator Tidal Wave”

WTOV-9: “Ohio to led feds run health exchange”

Public meeting about ohio transportation money

State Rep. Kathleen Clyde to host

“The Turnpike, Transportation and Infrastructure Funding & Ohio’s Budget” Town Hall Meeting

KENT—State Representative Kathleen Clyde will host a town hall discussion at the Kent Free Library on Monday, February 18, 2013, at 7:30 p.m.. Rep. Clyde will give an update about Ohio’s budget process, focusing on the transportation budget which is the first section of the state budget to be passed through the Ohio legislature, usually in March. The transportation budget addresses the proposal to bond Ohio’s Turnpike, funding for critically needed transportation & infrastructure projects, as well as policy changes relating to transportation and public safety issues.

Representative Clyde hosts town hall meetings at different locations across Portage County for residents to learn about and discuss state legislative issues. All are welcome to attend.

WHAT:         “The Turnpike, Transportation and Infrastructure Funding & Ohio’s Budget” Town Hall Meeting

WHEN:          Monday, February 18, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:       Kent Free Library

                        312 W. Main Street

                        Kent, OH 44240

WHO:             Kathleen Clyde, State Representative

                        Mickey Marozzi, Portage County Engineer

This event is open to the public.

-30-

Here's some facts about valentine's day

Expressing one’s love to another is a celebrated custom on Valentine’s Day; whereby sweethearts and family members present gifts to one another, such as cards, candy, flowers and other symbols of affection. Opinions differ as to who was the original Valentine, but the most popular theory is that he was a clergyman who was executed for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome. In A.D. 496, Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 as Valentine Day. Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, is given credit for selling the first mass-produced valentine cards in the 1840s. The spirit continues today with even young children exchanging valentine’s cards with their fellow classmates.

 Candy  

1,155                          

Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2010, employing 35,074 people. California led the nation in the number of chocolate and cocoa manufacturing establishments, with 121, followed by Pennsylvania, with 114. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns: 2010, NAICS code (31132) and (31133), <http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp/>

409

Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured nonchocolate confectionary products in 2010. These establishments employed 17,526people. California led the nation in this category, with 49 establishments. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns: 2010, NAICS code (31134) <http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp/>

$13.5 billion

Total value of shipments in 2011 for firms producing chocolate and cocoa products. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 Annual Survey of Manufactures, Products and Service Codes 311320 and 311330, <http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ASM_2011_31VS101&prodType=table>

Nonchocolate confectionery product manufacturing, meanwhile, was an $8.8 billion industry. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 Annual Survey of Manufactures, Products and Service Code 311340, <http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ASM_2011_31VS101&prodType=table>

3,365

Number of confectionery and nut stores in the United States in 2010. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, NAICS code (445292), <http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp/>

24.7 pounds
Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2010. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Industrial Reports, Confectionery: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/manufacturing/cir/historical_data/ma311d/index.html>