We want NIOSH, by gosh

Hamilton County's commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday asking the federal government to keep the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health -- and its well-paying jobs -- in Hamilton County.

And they want Jean Schmidt to butt out.

Commissioner Todd Portune noted that Schmidt, the Loveland Republican Congresswoman from Ohio's Second Congressional District, is doing all she can to have the federal government relocate a consolidation of area NIOSH offices to Clermont County.

NIOSH has had offices in Hamilton County for more than 35 years including the large building in Clifton.

Now, though, it plans to consolidate area offices into a $70 million headquarters. Four sites in Hamilton County -- all in the Cincinnati city limits -- and three in Clermont County are being considered.

The resolution encourages the government to relocate NIOSH and its 1,100 employees within Hamilton County.

Portune, a Democrat, asked Republican Commissioner Pat DeWine to place a call to the area's other Congressman, Steve Chabot, R-Westwood, (pictured) to try to offset what Portune said was Schmidt's attempt to help Clermont County.

DeWine said he'd be happy to do that.

Chabot represents Ohio's 1st Congressional District. The dividing line between Chabot's 1st District and Schmidt's Second Distrist is Vine Street downtown and going due north.

Clermont County is completely in the Second District.

NIOSH researches and recommends ways to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.

A NIOSH headquarters, which wouldn't be completed until at least 2012, is to occupy a 350,000-square-foot complex.