COMMENTARY | Fiscally responsible measures initiated by Gov. John Kasich to get Ohio on the path for financial solvency have prompted true bipartisanship in the Buckeye State. Washington take note, when you govern intelligently citizens from all political persuasions respond. Former Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is not focusing on party affiliation or sour grapes from a lost election bid. Brunner exhibited her ability distance herself from the party line and put the needs of Ohio ahead of political ties.
Gov. Kasich addressed the Columbus Metropolitan Club on Friday where Brunner was in attendance. Ohio's governor discussed many topics during the speech, including Senate Bill 5, fiscal policies and the benefits of attracting new businesses to the state. Brunner was seated near the front of the crowd and was noticed nodding in agreement to the initiatives detailed by Gov. Kasich.
Sadly, an instance where members different political parties agree on taking fiscally responsible steps to solve a problem is a newsworthy event. Perhaps the tea party is continuing to influence Americans and the emerging realm of politics where what benefits "We the People" is more important than which political party the public servant represents.
Brunner discussed her "nodding" with the Columbus Dispatch after the event.
"It's hard to believe he's been governor for just a little over six months and he's been able to affect the types of changes that he has. Not everyone agrees with those changes, but he's making an effort. You can tell that he cares," Brunner told local media.
Although I did not vote for Brunner, I did find her to be an honest and intelligent women when she traveled to the southern region of Ohio for meetings and events. Brunner ran for the Senate seat vacated after Republican George Voinovich in 2010. Former Gov. Ted Strickland's Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher defeated Brunner in the Democratic primary.
Brunner feels Gov. Kasich is dedicated to developing a free market and business friendly strategy to get Ohioans back to work while increasing tax revenue for local governments.
"Governor Kasich is dedicated to reforming Ohio. I hope it works," Brunner told the Columbus Dispatch.
Unfortunately a shared vision for a fiscally healthy Ohio and sustainable spending habits is not shared by the head of Brunner's party. Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party Chris Redfern has been a thorn in the side of Gov. Kasich's fiscally responsible measures since the day he took office. When asked for a comment on Brunner's willingness to reach across party lines for the sake of Ohio's future, he only state that the former Secretary of State was entitled to her own opinion.
While the unexpected bipartisan support at Gov. Kasich's recent event is grabbing headlines, the policies explained during the event are the truly important news of the day. Gov. Kasich discussed the positive economic impact of harnessing energy from Utica shale. The environmentally safe hydraulic extraction of the shale will not only generate revenue in the form of taxes but create wellhead jobs.
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