Johnson's selection by Taft gives Valley voice in debate

The future of higher education in Ohio is at a crossroads.
In one direction disaster awaits. That seems to be the way Republicans in the House of Representatives would lead the public universities and colleges if their recent actions are any indication. The deep cuts in higher education funding in the two-year budget passed by the House is a recipe for disaster.
In another direction is an increase in funding proposed by Gov. Bob Taft and backed by the Ohio Senate. The Senate's version of the biennium budget reflects the opinion of Republican leaders and the Republican governor that Ohio must address the problem it currently faces of attracting high-technology companies. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that Ohio lacks the kind of college-educated work force that such companies demand.
Then there is a third direction, which most interests Ohio's business community. Corporate leaders want higher education to become an engine for the state's economic development effort and, thus, are looking to the governor, the Legislature and the board of regents to restructure the system so it is responsive to their needs.
In the middle of this crossroads is conceivably one of the most important panels created by state government: the 33-member Commission on Higher Education and the Economy. Its assignment: Evaluate the funding, structure, governance and accessibility of the state's higher education system and make recommendations to the governor.
That is why having a seat on the commission is so important.
Prominent Republican
Salem businessman David Johnson's appointment by the governor is significant for two reasons: First, it reflects Johnson's standing not only with the Republican administration, but with the Ohio Republican Party; second, it speaks to Taft's understanding of the Mahoning Valley's needs and his willingness to give the region a voice in the debate on the future of higher education.
Johnson, who operates Summitville Tiles, is former chairman of the Columbiana County Republican Party. His family owns the Spread Eagle Tavern, which has become a stop for state and national Republican candidates campaigning in the Valley.
But it would be a mistake to dismiss Johnson's appointment as nothing more than political payback from a governor he has supported. The businessman has not been shy about using his position and political influence on behalf of the region -- especially when the predominantly Democratic area has needed the help of Republican administrations in Columbus and Washington.
Johnson lobbied the governor and other state officials during the Valley's campaign to secure General Motors Corp.'s new product for the Lordstown assembly plant. He also has shown a strong commitment to regional cooperation between Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Johnson strongly opposed the congressional redistricting map developed by the Republicans in the General Assembly because the new lines split the three counties, which had previously been in one congressional district.
Given this history, Johnson can be expected to be a strong advocate for Youngstown State University and will undoubtedly argue that the university should play an important role in the high-technology initiative the governor has proposed.