No Catch Phrases - Just Thoughtful Planning From Mr. Strickland
I just returned from a conference call with Mr. Ted Strickland. A few other bloggers joined in and we had a very nice conversation about schools, economy, campaigning, politics and Mr. Blackwell. My initial impression of Mr. Strickland is that of "a nose to the grindstone" man with complex solutions to Ohios woes. I wanted him to give me a soundbite or a catch phrase to sum up his economic plan but he wouldn't do it. I said something like "your TurnAround Ohio plan is pretty complex and it's hard to sell - while Blackwells campaign is filled with catch phrases and gimmicks - how can we counteract that kind of easy messaging?" Mr. Strickland, cool and confident, replied "the People aren't falling for it" "they can see it's shallowness". His demeaner made me feel at ease and I immediately felt like he was a friend. (I got the same warm feeling when I talked to his wife, Francis, at the ODWC meeting. )
I hope he is correct about people seeing through Ken Blackwells cheap tricks because Mr. Strickland has some great plans for revitalizing Ohio. It would be great to see them become a reality. So, to get back to the call, I segued the slogan question into one about the "Silicon Valley of the Midwest" plan of Sherrod Browns and asked if alternative energy is one of sectors his TurnAround Ohio plan would focus on for economic stimulus. He said Yes. That one of the first things he plans to do (if he wins) is hold a conference of the states leaders in these fields - business, academic and agriculture - to facilitate growth and bring our state to the forefront in the new technologies. He said that as many as 22,000 new jobs could be created immediately in Ohio by investing in alternative energy. Other parts of his plan included: A $250 Million Investment Plan (setting aside 30% of Ohios tax exempt bonds for next generation energy production projects. This will make available to private business and entrepreneurs approximately $250 million per year in low interest capital for new alternative energy projects. This funding will be budget neutral and will not require taxpayer dollars) Support Development of Biofuels and Bring Ethanol Production and Jobs to Ohio. He also stated that he would switch all state vehicals to alternative fuels.
At this point, Mr. Strickland wanted to make sure that we knew that he believes that our dependence on foriegn oil is what has bought us to the current low point in US history and that both he and Congressman Brown stood up to the President and Voted Against the Iraq Invasion.
HowardEmpoweredPeople blogger, Renee asked about the messaging on the Blackwell campaign again and Scott of Pho's Akron Pages wanted to know about the effectiveness of Blackwells attempts at reaching out to the inner city churches. Mr. Strickland stated that he has the endorsements of Ohios Black leaders. He also wanted us to know that Blackwell was campaigning in Fayette County last night - preaching to his base. He said (I'm paraphrasing) that if Mr. Blackwell is worried about those people not voting for him he has a lot to worry about. That in fact, The Strickland/Fisher team was campaigning to Blackwells base as well and expects many moderate republicans to vote for him this fall. He also stated that being a long time congressman he is used to all of the name calling and dirty tricks by Republicans and he can effectively counter any of them.
Lisa Renee asked about Ohios educational system. I think education is one of Mr. Stricklands strongest points and his plans for preK through college all make great sense. He talked about Ohios education deficit - the fact that Ohio ranked 49th in number of college educated people but we also had the most expensive colleges and universities. He has stated in the past that "We must change our entire attitude about the importance of lifelong learning. Ohioans must be able to access a fluid, continuous learning system - one that provides a seamless progression from early childhood through higher education and on, with each step in the progression equal in value. We must set high goals, raise aspirations and expectations and open the doors for every Ohioan to the learning environments that will challenge and prepare our next generation." It is obvious that we must work on education sytem to stregthen Ohio and Mr. Strickland is the right man for that. (especially if you compare his plans to Blackwells 65 cent Deception) As the conversation progressed he addressed the school funding issue, stating that that he would make Ohios school funding constitutional by removing its dependence on the property tax system. He also stated that school vouchers are a misuse of taxpayers dollars and charter school have had mediocre results when compared to the public educational system.
Russell of BSB asked about how the next Governor intends to accomplish much if Dems do not win back either of Ohios houses? Mr. Strickland said he thought Russel was correct in his assumpton that we would not win back the Ohio House or Senate but stated that we will win back some seats and as the numbers gaps close it would be easier to work with moderate Republicans. Russell also asked if Mr. Strickland would be interested the 2008 ticket as a Vice Presidential candidate and Mr. Strickland chuckled a little and said "no". He is 65 and Ohio will be the last stop in his political career.
I think that was everything. This is all paraphrased, so some if it may be a little off - I did not record the event just some light notes. I am sure my fellow Ohio bloggers will have posts up shortly - I'll list thier observations here as they come up. Mr. Stricklands website is here if you would like to read about his plans for Ohios future in more detail just click on the Vision tab.
Thank you - Mr. Strickland, I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with you. I wish you the best of luck although I doubt you'll need any. Also - Thank you Jesse, for setting this event up for us.
Cross Posted At: As Ohio Goes