The Observer, October 20, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 8
Cleveland on Fire: Ted Strickland a more promising candidate
As crafted by the United States Constitution, local governments (cities included) are at the discretion of their state administration and that is why the Gubernatorial race is on Nov. 7. The executive branch for Ohio sets policy and precedent that have direct and implied effects on cities, citizens, and economies of Northeast Ohio. For that reason, Ted Strickland is the best candidate for the city of Cleveland and its residents.
Although neither candidate seems ideal or generally attractive in leading Ohio out of its current slide, Strickland is a more sensible choice than opponent Ken Blackwell. Throughout their lengthy campaigns, both candidates have raised inordinate sums of money yet have provided the voters with a lack of innovation and definitive answers to the problems facing this state: job loss, economical depression, sprawl, infrastructure deficiencies, and failing public education.
As the current Secretary of State, Blackwell has made significant efforts to distance himself from the scandals and ineffectiveness of the Republican administration in office. Even with those strides, he still remains an integral and center figure in the party – an image that he cannot shake.
To revive the state's economy, Blackwell has proposed leasing the Ohio Turnpike – a toll speedway that runs from Pennsylvania to Indiana in the northern portion of the state. Following similar actions in Indiana and Illinois, Blackwell claims that the state could earn a one time revenue of $4-6 billion. This plan, although unique and creative, has too many question marks for the state to put its faith in. First of all, there is no proof that the turnpike would yield such a high profit, and secondly there are serious questions about the maintenance and tolls for the road. Put into the private sector, the expenses could skyrocket and hinder travel though Ohio. Lastly, Blackwell has made no definitive statements about where those funds would end up. He has mentioned clean energy technologies, public education, and road infrastructure improvement without details ,and his 'details' change every time.
Strickland, though not a pristine candidate with clear and succinct policy plans, is a stable leader who has made specific points in his campaign that would benefit urban centers such as Cleveland. Through many points, Strickland makes the economies and general health of the cities a priority – measures achieved through business incubators, financial assistance, physical development assistance, infrastructure improvements, arts assistance, and investments in regional economies.
Furthermore, while his opponent has spoken about improving roads and interstates, Strickland contends that while these paths must be maintained, alternative transportation options need to be pursued and the current transportation projects must be reviewed. This is music to a city's ears since a strong public transportation system reaps economic, symbolic, and environmental benefits. At a time when oil prices continue to skyrocket and sprawl forces congestion, this thinking can lead to great new movements for the cities of Ohio. Lastly, with a new administration, there could be a new chance for public projects such as the Innerbelt Bridge that have proceeded with little concern for the citizens or economy of Northeast Ohio.
The stated values that Strickland declares are important to Cleveland and Ohio at this time. With resurgence in downtown and an endless horizon of research at the institutions and businesses, the state government must help with the growth of its cities. On his website, Strickland states that "there are no great states without great cities" – an attitude not often expressed by the administration in Columbus.
