Appalacian Regional Commission strengthen’s region

July 8, 2021

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. Since 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has been dedicated to improving economic health of Appalachia. Over $4.5 billion has been invested, from small business assistance to broadband deployment to workforce development. The key to ARCás success comes from the agencyás guiding principle of collaboration and cooperation ä between the 13 Appalachian states of the region, including Ohio, between the ...

Take action on Householder now

June 13, 2021

In the 11 months since the largest alleged public bribery corruption scheme in Ohio history was uncovered following passage of House Bill 6, much has happened. Charges were filed and indictments handed down. A number of the alleged co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and major portions of the corrupt corporate bailout have been repealed. But the accused lynchpin behind the operation remains untouched. The man suspected of being the architect of the $60 million scheme, the largest open bribery investigation within any statehouse in the country, remains in office. He continues to vote ...

Many ways exist to help honor America

May 30, 2021

With so much drama going on in the country, I began to wonder what I could write that would help honor America. That is when I discovered there was already something established. 36 U.S. Code *112. HONOR AMERICA DAYS (a) Designation. The 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor America. (b) Congressional Declaration. Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way. (Pub. L. 105-225, Aug 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1257) Flag ...

Justice system in US imposes accountability

May 2, 2021

Published on this page June 21, 2020, titled “Without police, who will you call for help?” I addressed “the shocking killing of George Floyd … by a Minneapolis police officer while three other policemen stood by and watched.” While the op-ed addressed the ongoing violence in the streets and the call by Black Lives Matter to defund the police, a call which persists, the piece offered a prediction that has now been realized. Ten months ago, this is what I wrote: “The offending policemen have been charged. They will enter a plea or go to trial before a jury or a judge. Based ...

Fulfill EV promise, define low-carbon economy

April 25, 2021

Transportation is undergoing a major shift around the globe. The rapid pace of technology continues to make low-carbon alternatives — like electric vehicles — more efficient, more accessible and, truth be told, far more desirable. If expert opinion holds true, up to one-third of new cars sold will be electric-powered by 2030. The Mahoning Valley has a sustainable, competitive advantage to become a powerhouse feeding growing consumer demand for electric vehicles and technology. Lordstown Motors, Ultium Cells, organizations such as BRITE Energy Innovators and the Ohio Turnpike & ...

Shuba’s gesture so much more than a handshake

April 18, 2021

Today, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the handshake of Youngstown native George Shuba with Jackie Robinson, a defining moment in civil rights and a consequential addition to Mahoning Valley history. Rookie first basemen Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league affiliate Montreal Royals. He hit a three-run home run, and as he crossed home plate, Shuba instinctively raised his hand to congratulate him. The iconic scene will be captured in a statue of Shuba and Robinson in downtown Youngstown, to be dedicated in late summer. George Shuba’s handshake ...