Governor to give State of the State speech in Wilmington


By Marc Kovac

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS

Gov. John Kasich will give his State of the State speech next month in Wilmington, which was hit hard by the departure of DHL half a dozen years ago.

The community, located about an hour southwest of Columbus, has garnered national attention for the way it has weathered the recession and found ways to create jobs and restore its economic climate.

“The story of Wilmington is, in many ways, the story of Ohio,” Rob Nichols, the governor’s spokesman, said in a released statement. “Hit with hard times and an unemployment rate of 14.4 percent just four years ago, the people of Wilmington and Clinton County came together and persevered, attracting new business, growing their economy and reducing unemployment to just 5.8 percent today.”

The speech will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Roberts Centre just off Interstate 71.

House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, whose district and home county include Wilmington, said the community has rebounded from the recession.

Kasich submitted a letter to the Legislature on Friday requesting the joint session in Wilmington. The GOP-controlled chambers will have to give their permission to take the talk on the road.

Three years ago, Kasich broke with tradition and gave his second State of the State speech in Steubenville in eastern Ohio. He chose Lima and Medina for subsequent State of the State speeches.

Rep. Ronald Gerberry, D-Austintown, who has been on hand for 25 State of the State speeches by five different governors, remained disappointed by Kasich’s decision to move his annual address away from the Statehouse.

He’s offered legislation over the past couple of general assemblies requiring the State of the State to be given at the Statehouse or broadcast in the House chambers so members could gather and watch it.

He said he’s drafted that legislation again this session but probably won’t introduce it.

“Introducing the bill is just an effort in futility,” Gerberry said, adding, “I think [the governor] should be able to go and give speeches wherever he wants. I just think this particular speech should be held in the Statehouse.”

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