High Stakes in Ohio: Property Taxes, Data Centers, and War Debates

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio, where we bring clarity to the chaos and a dose of grounded perspective straight from the Buckeye State. On this April 16, 2026 episode, Steve Palmer kicks things off with a look back at Ohio’s unique place in history—from the Cleveland Indians’ game-changing decision to add numbers to their jerseys in 1929, to a poetic lament about tax season set to the tune of the Beatles' "Taxman."

Today, the conversation winds through the historic and the current, tackling everything from the global oil market’s shifting sands amid Middle East blockades to the Supreme Court’s wrestling match with birthright citizenship and the finer points of the 14th Amendment. Steve Palmer and the team take on the tangled relationships between religion and government, the perennial struggles over property taxes, and Ohio’s battle over data centers and legislative responsibility.

It's not all policy and punditry, though—stay tuned for sharp takes on government-run grocery stores, reflections on the legacy of abuse scandals at Ohio State, and even a nod to AC/DC’s upcoming tour stop in Columbus. The team wraps with their weekly “winners and losers,” sharing everything from space travel pride to pop culture facepalms. It’s a fast-paced ride through history, headlines, and heartland values—let’s get started.

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.