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Partnership taps Appalachia’s potential

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. The hit country song "Mountain Music" by the band Alabama may recount fond memories of many Alabamians growing up in a rural mountainous area where life is simple and family bonds are strong. "Oh, play me some mountain music; Like grandma and grandpa used to play." While a similar image may be the first thing that comes to mind when most of America thinks of the Appalachian region, we who live in states that ...

Building better future for Appalachia

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. With a low cost and high quality of living, itás no surprise more than 1.7 million North Carolinians call the Appalachia home. The 29 North Carolina counties that are a part of it offer great opportunities to families living in the region ä welcoming communities, a strong small business environment and an abundance of outdoor activities and natural resources. But they also face unique challenges. The Appalachian ...

Veto of Ohio fireworks bill misses mark on safety

Five days after the rest of the country celebrated Independence Day with backyard gatherings, cookouts and yes, consumer fireworks, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed Ohio Senate Bill 113. This bill would have made Ohio the 49th state to allow consumers to legally discharge fireworks. That is correct; Ohio and Massachusetts are the only two states that still have laws making discharge of fireworks illegal. You can purchase them in Ohio, but legally you cannot use them. The governor obviously has his reasons for his veto of this common-sense update to an antiquated fireworks law. We will ...

Appalacian Regional Commission strengthen’s region

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

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

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 ...