Third Frontier’s opening new technological vistas
If the outpouring of support for State Issue 1, which would continue funding for Ohio’s Third Frontier program, seems like overkill, it’s because in the current anti-government environment, even worthy initiatives are at risk.
At the beginning of the month, we urged Ohioans to vote in favor of Third Frontier in the May 4 primary election, just as they did in 2005. We reiterate our call today to ensure that we reach thoughtful voters — as opposed to those who believe that saying no to everything is a sign of patriotism.
Has the public sector been slow in responding to the national and global economic downturns compared with what has been going on in the private sector for the last several years? Absolutely.
On the other hand, do many of the people advocating a less-intrusive government depend on the very same government for Social Security, Medicare and even veterans benefits? Yes, they do.
In other words, it is unfair to paint all things government with a broad brush.
Third Frontier is a classic example. Every economic indicator points to the success of the program, and just about every political and business leader in Ohio recognizes the enormous benefits being derived from technology-based economic development.
And yet, there are detractors.
If the 55,000 jobs Third Frontier has helped create doesn’t strike a responsive chord, this should: The $548 million in Third Frontier money that has been spent has leveraged $4.8 billion.
Finally, 637 companies have been created, attracted or capitalized.
“Each time we review the progress of the Ohio Third Frontier, we see the number of good jobs for Ohioans grow,” Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents and chairman of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, has said. “But even more than creating jobs, the program is training the skilled workers of the future and helping companies compete in a range of high-tech industries.”
When the Democratic-controlled Ohio House of Representatives and the Republican-controlled state Senate adopted legislation asking voters for $700 million for the program, it was a continuation of the bipartisan support the program has received since its inception in 2002.
Third Frontier was the brainchild of former Republican Gov. Bob Taft, who had the foresight to make Ohio a competitor in the global technological sweepstakes.
Strickland’s support
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland wasted little time embracing the program after he took office in January 2007.
The Valley has benefited greatly, as Youngstown State University President Dr. David Sweet; President-designee Dr. Cynthia Anderson; Scott Schulick, chairman of the YSU board of trustees; and the rest of the board members detailed in a column published in Sunday’s Vindicator.
Congressman Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, has said Third Frontier has its fingerprints all over the Mahoning Valley.
State Issue 1 on the May 4 primary ballot isn’t about sustaining a wasteful government program. It’s about Ohio’s future.