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++++ A voter's guide in the Columbus Dispatch had this to say about the experience of the candidates in Ohio's 15th congressional district, Democratic Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, and Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist: MARY JO KILROY
Experience: one term in Congress;
eight years as Franklin County commisioner
and eight on the Columbus
school board
- - -
STEVE STIVERS
Experience: 25 years in
Ohio National Guard; six
as state senator; 11 "in
the private sector" *
....................................................................................................
(that is my asterisk)
* "in the private sector"
??????
Give me a break!!!!
He was a BANK LOBBYIST!
A BANK LOBBYIST!!!!
(pic from Dispatch)
Steve Stivers was a bank lobbyist with Bank One, which is now part of Chase. Do you think that a former bank lobbyist with connections to banks, financial concerns, other banks, and ties to utilities/mining/oil will take care of you? If you believe that, let me tell you about some swamp land....
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> > > As I was walking into The Anderson's this afternoon, I saw a John Boehner bumper sticker on the back of a Mercury Marquis. Doesn't that say it all?
-> Today I spoke with someone who said they had changed their mind about which candidate they were going to vote for in the race for Ohio governor. Originally, he had planned on voting for John Kasich but after watching him, and viewing some of the ads, this guy felt that Kasich's snide remarks, and arrogant attitude made him change his mind. If Ohio has to make some serious cuts to personnel, no one wants the governor looking down at you, being sarcastic as he makes an announcement of layoffs. I guess the straw that broke the camel's back for him was the ad where Kasich said, "....we all know what bonuses are...." regarding his plan to reward his hand picked super, special, Department of Development board of CEO's. What Kasich has failed to realize is that not everyone has received bonuses. We know Kasich has, but not everyone else has had that luxury.
> The DailyBellwether has an example of Kasich's attitude when he refused to meet with the Fraternal Order of Police:
GOP candidate for Ohio governor John Kasich snubbed Ohio's Fraternal Order of Police earlier this year. He didn't send a personal letter expressing support of law enforcement -- a form letter from a campaign worker was all Kasich mustered....
The FOP's newsletter had this to say about Kasich's snub:
"Mr. Kasich did not interview with the political screening committee, he did not attend the conference to make himself available to our members and answer their questions in person, as Governor Strickland and every other candidate for statewide political office did. A letter was sent expressing Mr. Kasich's support of law enforcement, but that was not even signed by Mr. Kasich, it was signed by a campaign worker.
"Without the participation of Mr. Kasich, we were left to press reports to get his political platform, which includes the abolition of the Ohio Income Tax and the privatization of public employees, both issues opposed by the FOP. Also, Mr. Kasich's running mate has suggested to municipalities that they consider contracting out their law enforcement work to the Sheriff in her current role as Auditor of State."
> Kasich and Taylor have not won over everyone. Kasich seems to have no use for regular people- except at election time. Kasich would prefer to hang out with the wealthy and share their similar problems - their golf handicap, and the rising price of caviar. He is like that "know-it-all" relative who considers himself an expert on everything and you think he is just plain obnoxious.
For more insight about both candidates, you must read an interview that was conducted by the USSA/Outdoor Writers of Ohio (posted at Buckeye Firearms): (here is a sample Q & A below)
...The budget is the big issue. Where does the ODNR budget and the sportsmen wildlife budget fund fit into the budget?
Kasich: We are growing the state budget by about 10.7% out of the general revenue fund. Wouldn't you like to have a 10.7% raise? We have a lot of government, if we don't get the economic recovery we are all in trouble. Everything is going to be put under the microscope and everything is on the table. Our natural resources should be a money producer for the state generating tourism and revenue. Clearly we want to pump this up. I can't make a commitment to anybody what we are going to do. I consider the sportsmen programs a part of economic development so we don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish. We have to make them a priority but we have to examine everything.
Note from Mr. Moore: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources budget has not grown. The Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Division of Watercraft are not funded from the general revenue funds, so Mr. Kasich either side-stepped the question or was unaware of that fact. Additionally the Division of Parks has experienced severe cuts going back to at least the first Taft budget.
Strickland: Well you've heard from both of us and can see the difference. I've made the pledge to protect the wildlife fund; the hunting, fishing, trapping license and permit fees that sportsmen pay to support the Division of Wildlife. I protected it in the two previously budgets and I will continue to protect it...
Did you notice that Kasich talks and talks, but says nothing? Either he is not knowledgeable about the subject or he just doesn't care.
(The "Mr. Moore" that provided the facts about the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the Division of Watercraft, and the Division of Parks, is outdoor writer, Larry S. Moore.)
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