Kasich wades into fight over collective-bargaining law

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Thursday made his first personal appearance to promote a collective-bargaining overhaul he signed into law this spring, traveling to Toledo and speaking in a packed concert room booked after crowds grew too large for two other locations.

The Republican governor was joined by Toledo Mayor Michael Bell, a former firefighter who appeared in campaign ads favoring the law, and state Sen. Mark Wagoner, a Republican from suburban Ottawa Hills.

Kasich focused first on positive developments in the Toledo area, and then turned to the collective- bargaining law, which he said was crucial for Ohio’s future.

“If we’re not about change, this state won’t make it,” Kasich said to about 250 invited supporters of the law at the Omni Midwest banquet hall.

Outside, a few dozen opponents of the law called for Bell’s ouster.

A Quinnipiac poll released Tuesday showed more Ohioans disapprove than approve of both Kasich and the union law.