Toledo Blade Editorial: Re-elect Strickland

[book_worm]

THE choice in Tuesday's election for governor of Ohio is clear: Will voters rehire incumbent Democrat TED STRICKLAND for four years, to build on the steady and effective leadership he has displayed over the past four years? Or will they opt for change, even if it is murky and unproven?

The Blade believes that Mr. Strickland's executive experience and centrist outlook place him in a better position than his opponents to guide this state through economic recovery and into a future that will work for all Ohioans. We recommend his re-election.

Governor Strickland did not cause — and does not deserve blame for — the national and worldwide recession that has cost our state nearly 400,000 jobs during his term. But he has responded to it as well as anyone could have, keeping Ohio out of the sort of budget crisis that other states have confronted.

Mr. Strickland has worked with lawmakers of both parties to deliver meaningful individual and business tax relief. He has revamped the state's higher education system to contain its cost and improve efficiency without sacrificing instructional quality, and to make institutions such as the University of Toledo important sources of economic development.

He has laid the foundation for public-school reform that links state aid to demonstrated classroom improvement. And he has worked effectively to help expand alternative-energy industries in Ohio that will create jobs and maintain the state's manufacturing base, while they help preserve its environment.



By contrast, the campaign run by Mr. Strickland's Republican challenger, former congressman John Kasich, is long on glittering promises of tax cuts, privatization, and business deregulation, but short on detail. He asks Ohio voters to take more on faith — especially his ability to master the job quickly — than appears warranted. Although Mr. Kasich's probity is not at issue, no Ohioan should welcome the possibility of Republicans tied to Tom Noe returning to state government, even at low levels.

Mr. Strickland deserves the opportunity that voters gave his two Republican predecessors, to serve two full terms and complete his agenda. Especially at a time of economic upheaval, Ohio needs effective continuity more than change largely for the sake of change, or an unfair judgment based on anger.

TED STRICKLAND has earned re-election as governor of Ohio.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101030/NEWS09/101039951

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good for the Blade.

They got it right.

I hope people are paying attention.

Recommended.