The Economy Project
(2010-01-27)
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YELLOW SPRINGS, OH
(WYSO) -
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"I believe in Ohio" was the theme of Governor Strickland's state of the state address.
But that's the rhetoric. The real meat of his speech was all about jobs. At a time when Ohio's jobless numbers have reached 10.9 percent, it comes as no surprise to Grant Neeley, political science professor at the University of Dayton.
"Obviously, he recognizes that the economy is the number one concern for Ohioans, so I think he's trying to point out some intiatives that he believes will turn around the economic fortunes here in Ohio," says Neeley.
Governor Strickland mentioned Dayton specifically when he announced the launch of a new program, "Hubs of Innovation and Opportunity." The idea is to provide money and assistance to Ohio's urban areas and their industries. Neeley says says it's a strategic approach to developing the area.
"Unfortunately, we're also looking at the community that has lost the GM Plant in Moraine and NCR," says Neeley. "The questions is, what's going to come out of that when we've lost all these jobs?"
Neeley says that is a big problem for the Governor. He adds that until people are back to work, it's going tough political climate for Strickland.
"He's in trouble. He's in trouble because of the economy. Not that people have a irrational expectation that people can do anything about the economy, but he's the one in charge," says Neeley.
Governor Strickland will face Republican gubernatorial candidate, John Kasich, in November. An Ohio newspaper poll released earlier this week shows Kasich leading Strickland by 51-45 percent, with 5 percent undecided.
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