On the campaign trail...

So some of you might have heard me (with Jason Given and Scott Nelson) on the radio this morning touting the importance of the upcoming emergency school levy. We are coming back to voters on February 6th on this issue...and it is a hot-button topic in this community. I appreciate people who are openly debating us on this issue. It is a conversation we need to have in the community.

One point I do want to make is that in Coshocton County we have had our fair share of hardships the past couple of years. No one disputes that. I get frustrated, however, with the idea that we can't do anything about it. I seem to be hearing a voice from the opposition that says, "Times are tough. So we won't support this levy."

Well times ARE tough. But what would you have us do? Give up? We absolutely have the ability to change our situation (as individuals and as a community). That is what makes our country great! We need more people who say "What can I do?" and fewer who cry "Why me."

In addition it is worth noting that we are frustrated with the current funding situation too. In a sense, we are on the same side. I think we need to spend more time contacting state legislatures and funding education in Ohio and less time bickering locally.

So here are some folks you can directly contact about the issue. Let's let them know how important education is to the future of our state!

Joy Padgett
Telephone: 614/466-8076
Email: sd20@mailr.sen.state.oh.us

Jim Aslanides
Telephone: (614) 644-6014
Fax : (614) 719-6994
Email Address: district94@ohr.state.oh.us