Pelosi: Youngstown incubator is model for U.S.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — When matters of national importance are discussed, the Mahoning Valley has a strong voice, said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

That voice comes from U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-17th, who was by Pelosi’s side Friday during a tour of the Youngstown Business Incubator in the city’s downtown and at a fundraiser at McMenamy’s in Niles.

Pelosi, the first female House speaker, continuously praised Ryan, of Niles, for being a leader on many important issues.

She cited Ryan’s efforts to preserve Social Security, seek more funding for higher education, high-tech businesses, and health care — as well as his opposition to free trade agreements and how President Bush’s administration is handling the war in Iraq.

A Democrat from San Francisco, Pelosi told more than 800 people at the Niles event to raise money for Ryan that he works well with Republicans and Democrats, and he is a strong representative for the Valley in Congress.

As for Ryan’s political future, Pelosi said, “The sky’s the limit.”

Ryan is providing “phenomenal” leadership in the House and serves with “great distinction,” Pelosi said.

It was because of that leadership that Pelosi appointed Ryan to a seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee this session even though he’s serving only his third two-year seat in the House.

At Ryan’s request, Pelosi visited the business incubator in Youngstown. After a tour, Pelosi described it as “a model for the nation,” and called it “a leader in growing the local economy.”

The incubator on West Federal Street continues to be a popular stop for politicians. Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards was there in July. It’s also been a destination location for U.S. senators, governors and statewide candidates during the past couple of years.

“This is a model that can be nationally replicated,” said Julie Michael Smith, the incubator’s chief development officer.

The incubator provides free or reduced space as well as access to state-of-the-art technology to high-tech businesses. Construction is under way for a second tech center directly west of the incubator.

Ryan’s Youngstown office is located in the incubator, which he calls “the gem of our community.”

At Friday’s fundraiser, Pelosi discussed the House’s failure on Thursday to override Bush’s veto on a children’s health bill.

At a cost of $35 billion over five years, the measure would have added about 4 million uninsured children to the program. It provides coverage for those who aren’t poor enough to qualify for Medicaid, but whose families can’t afford health care.

Pelosi said the bill will be up for another vote in about two weeks. If Bush vetoes the bill, it will return again and again, she said.

She also said the Democratic-controlled House would approve no new trade deals until an economic package to aid American workers is approved.

skolnick@vindy.com