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Committee hears bill to name part of State Route 125 for Al Oliver
Summary
Representatives Pazuli and Jeralds presented House Bill 35 to name a portion of Ohio 125 in Scioto County the Al Oliver Highway, citing the former major-league baseball player's local roots, military service, and community honors. The committee held a first hearing; no vote was taken.
Representatives Pazuli and Jeralds presented sponsor testimony for House Bill 35 on March 11, asking the House Transportation Committee to designate a portion of State Route 125 in Scioto County as the Al Oliver Highway.
Sponsors described Al Oliver as a Portsmouth native, National Guard member, minister and community leader whose baseball career included multiple All-Star selections and Silver Slugger awards. Representative Pazuli said the bill had passed the House in the previous general assembly but did not become law and that the community and Portsmouth City Council have already honored Oliver with a street name and a flood-wall mural.
Why it matters: sponsors argued the naming would recognize Oliver’s local and national contributions in sports and civic life and serve as a point of pride and inspiration for the community. “His legacy is also immortalized on our Portsmouth flood wall murals,” Pazuli said. Sponsors asked the committee to consider the bill and noted local support and the desire to enact the designation while Oliver is still living.
Discussion vs. decision: The committee heard testimony and did not take a committee vote on HB 35 during the March 11 meeting. Committee members noted the nominee’s military service would be considered as part of the customary deliberations for roadway dedications.
Ending: Sponsors thanked committee members and invited them to visit Portsmouth to view local tributes.
