Ohio University might not erect Householder Hall or Carey Center anytime soon. Because of proposed legislation, OU alumni Rep. Larry Householder, R-Glenford, and Sen. John Carey, R-Wellston, will not be able to have buildings named after them.
A bill proposed in the Ohio Senate would prevent any state-funded building or highway from being named after any public official unless he or she has been out of office for at least five years. If the official dies, the waiting period does not apply.
Bill sponsor Sen. Scott Nein, R-Middletown, said the bill makes political sense.
"It's just something that's gnawed at me for sometime," he said. "Some buildings are named after people. It wasn't built with their money. It was built with taxpayer money. People don't get in this business for that reason."
Sen. James Carnes, R-St. Clairsville, said he would likely support the bill.
"It's probably a good idea even though I have a building (the James E. Carnes Community Center) named after me," he said.
Carnes said he would like to hear testimony on both sides before making a final decision on the bill, which is currently in the Transportation Committee.
Nein said he has received great reception from the media but jokes from other senators.
"They introduced a resolution to name a building after me," he said, laughing. "There's been a lot of jokes and resolutions to mock me."
Buildings are named after distinguished alumni, faculty or administrators, or for donors, said Leonard Raley, OU vice president of University Advancement. OU Board of Trustees Chair Robert Walter made the lead donation for the construction of the new lecture hall, so he has input on the name of it.
OU Trustee Larry Schey said there has not been any discussion about naming the new lecture hall that he is aware of, but the passage of the bill could affect the naming of future buildings.
"Anytime you limit what you can name things, it has an effect," he said.
Walter was not available for comment.
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Jeffrey Fitzwater
