by Jason on February 7, 2009
The continuing saga being played out by the Republicans is a little disconcerting. In the not so distant past, it seemed all but certain that John Kasich was going to challenge Gov. Stickland in 2010. But then things seemed to change and it looked like he had decided not to run. But now, here comes a story in the Columbus Dispatch which states that he is still unsure.
At one time, I thought that Kasich could really give Gov. Strickland a run for his money. Kasich has a very good reputation among many in our state and was well-liked. I think he is a principled person and honest. I bet we will find out that unlike many of our presidential cabinet picks of late, he probably doesn’t have any tax problems.
All of this waffling about his decision to run is starting to make me think of the campaign that Senator Fred Thompson ran for president in 2008. For many republicans, he was supposed to be the conservative in shining armour that would rescue the day and reinvigorate the right. But if you followed his short campaign at all, he never seemed excited or even that interested in the job. He failed miserably, if he even ever wanted the job.
In today’s rough economy, a position like this might be a tough sell.
Kasich said the income tax could be phased out over an unspecified number of years and the state could accommodate the loss of money if “you modernize and privatize and make some hard choices.”
Even though President Obama started running years before his election, he was ultimately successful. I’m not saying that Kasich needs to follow suit, but I do think he needs to get the republican party energized in Ohio, if he does decide to run. Republicans are demoralized, but if anyone can get them believing in themselves again, I think it is probably John Kasich.
by Jason on January 29, 2009
Check out the new edition. There are some great entries.
by Jason on January 11, 2009
Unless you have your head buried in the sand or you were adbucted by aliens, you know that our economy is in bad shape currently. In our economic climate, it makes sense for many people to forgo pay raises to either keep their jobs secure, or to show support for others in the work force. According to the Columbus Dispatch, state lawmakers have decided not to give themselves a pay raise this year, the first time in 13 years that this has happened.
From the governor to state lawmakers to county and township elected officials, no one got a pay bump on Jan. 1– the first freeze for local officials in 13 years.
The legislature, with approval from the governor, sets the salaries for state, county and township officeholders, including judges. In the midst of a historic economic downturn, state leaders are treating the pay-raise issue as if it were radioactive asbestos.
“Until we get Ohioans back to work, I don’t see any opportunity to raise government pay,” said Senate President Bill M. Harris, R-Ashland.
Congratulations to Governor Strickland and others that decided to pass up their annual increase this year. Is it emblematic? Sure it is. Salaries will stay the same as last year so they are only saving by not increasing their salary. Be it symbolic or not, I think it sends the right message.
Now what do you think the chances of their counterparts at the federal level be the same? Will Congress vote to give themselves a pay raise this year? According to the Phoenix Buisness Journal, U.S. Representatives Harry Mitchell and Ron Paul seek to make the same happen on Capitol Hill.
Congressional members just received a $4,700 raise bringing their salaries to $169,300 annually. They will get the automatic increase for 2009 without legislation to block it.
So what do you think? Should our elected representatives give us a break and forgo their own raises?
by Jason on December 18, 2008