Treasurer downplays social issues in elections

The treasurer is touting a state bond sale for highway improvements.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ohio Treasurer Jennette B. Bradley, running to retain her seat, said her position on social issues should play no factor in the race.
Voters aren't worried about social issues when casting ballots for the state treasurer, said Bradley during a Thursday stop in Youngstown.
"Social issues are legislative matters," Bradley said. "Positions such as [treasurer] should be in the hands of professionals."
Ashtabula County Auditor Sandra O'Brien, Bradley's challenger in the Republican primary in May, touts herself as a conservative candidate. O'Brien opposes abortion while Bradley supports abortion rights.
While campaigning, O'Brien said she is constantly asked about social issues.
"They don't ask about my plans for the office, although I'm ready to talk about them," she said in a telephone interview. "They want to know about my position on social issues. I'm not defining the issues of this race, Republican voters are doing that."
Gov. Bob Taft appointed Bradley, of Columbus, as state treasurer in January 2005 after the resignation of Joseph Deters.
Bradley served as Taft's lieutenant governor and director of the state's Department of Commerce for two years before the treasurer appointment. A former Columbus city councilwoman, Bradley has 15 years of banking experience.
Commenting on Taft
When asked to comment on Taft's conviction last year of four misdemeanor counts of violating state ethics laws, Bradley said, "I think it's sad. It's been a very difficult time for the governor. ... But it doesn't have to be a difficult time for the state. I'm not a doom-and-gloomer."
Bradley wants to be part of the team that restores the trust of Ohioans in state government.
"My top priority is to take care of the state," she said.
Bradley visited Youngstown Thursday as part of a 10-day tour throughout Ohio to promote the upcoming Buckeye Savers Bond sale that is expected to generate $180 million for state highway improvements.
The bonds are a secure and highly rated investment that is exempt from federal, state and local taxes.
Bonds pay a fixed rate of return semi-annually and are issued in denominations of $5,000. The bonds will be available for purchase beginning next Friday. To buy the bonds, people should call the state treasurer's office at (800) 228-1102.
The bonds help create jobs and economic development, Bradley said.
skolnick@vindy.com