COLUMBUS (December 13, 2001) — Governor Bob Taft today issued the following statement on the Ohio Supreme Court’s choice of a mediator in the DeRolph case: “I welcome any reasonable opportunity to resolve the few remaining issues as identified in the state’s motion for reconsideration. Although settling these few remaining issues presents a substantial challenge, particularly given our budget situation, I am prepared to do all I can to try to resolve this case in a reasonable and responsible manner.”