New state senator brings lots of experience to job

With Republicans enjoying a solid majority in the Ohio General Assembly, in addition to occupying all statewide nonjudicial offices, Democrats must guard against becoming irrelevant. For those in the House and Senate, it means finding a way of not only being heard, but of having input in the legislative agenda.
It will require some real political skill, which is why Liberty Atty. Marc Dann's presence in the Senate could be beneficial to the Mahoning Valley.
Dann, a Liberty School Board member, was selected this week to the 32nd District seat by the 10 members of the Democratic caucus in the Senate. The seat is being vacated by Tim Ryan, who will be sworn as the 17th District congressman in January.
The caucus's decision came on the heels of Dann's receiving solid support from the Democratic central committees in Trumbull and Ashtabula counties. And though he says that his elevation to the Senate is a political dream come true, dreams do have a way of falling short of reality.
That is why Dann, a former Youngstown resident who had a law practice in the city's central business district, will have to use the political skills he has amassed through his involvement in various campaigns to make sure he doesn't follow in Ryan's footsteps.
Ryan, who had not held a full-time job before being elected to the Senate 22 months ago, was inconsequential as a member of the opposition .
No legislative record
He failed to develop legislation of any importance and wasn't a Democrat who the Republican leadership felt the need to court. Despite his tissue-thin political resume -- he contended that he wasn't able to forward any bills because he was in the minority and the Republicans were not receptive to him -- Ryan was elected to Congress.
We are confident that Dann, who has demonstrated an ability to understand complicated issues such as state funding for public primary and secondary education, will have more to show after his 22 months in office.
We are also confident that Dann will not be parochial in his approach to his duties as senator. While he has a responsibility to address the needs of his constituents in the 32nd District, he also has an obligation to the Valley, as do the other area legislators.
Political boundaries should not be a barrier to cooperation.
Republican Gov. Bob Taft has said on numerous occasions that his administration wants to be an active participant in the region's job-creation effort, but that leaders of the Valley must clearly articulate a vision and show that they can work as one.
Dann has an opportunity to further the goal of regional cooperation.