What's Next? We Need Jobs!

Ohio voters sent a loud message to Republicans controlling Ohio government that they do not trust them to fairly spend taxpayer dollars when they rejected State Issue 1.

“Without any significant opposition campaign, this clearly indicates a lack of confidence in one-party rule and the failure of the Republican Party to address the state’s faltering economy,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Dennis L. White. “This vote indicates Ohioans are calling for a change in leadership that will bring real benefits to hard-working middle-class families.”

Issue 1 is part of Gov. Bob Taft’s loosely defined Third Frontier Project. It would have forced Ohio to borrow $500 million through bonds raising its debt level in order to invest in research and development projects. While the television campaign for the issue featured Taft parading around with numerous people in hardhats, the commercials did little to explain how the funds would be used to create jobs.

“The leaders of Issue 1 lacked credibility with voters,” said. Ohio House Minority Leader Chris Redfern (D-Catawba Island). “If we are going to create an environment of economic growth in this state we need both leadership from both political parties together.”

Ohio should continue efforts to lure high-paying jobs to the state, White said.

“The Virginia film company hired to create these ads didn’t hear what was on the minds of the Ohioans portrayed in the commercials,” White said. “Ohioans are waiting for a solid plan to create jobs and improve education. Ohio Democratic leaders in cities across the state are developing and implementing those plans, and with the help of better state leadership they could help create more jobs in the future.”



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Contact: Dan Trevas at (614) 221-6563 ext. 129 or dan@ohiodems.org.