Next steps will define DeWine’s legacy
Regarding “A new Browns stadium, income taxes, school cell phone ban: How Ohio’s budget affects you” (July 1): I want to acknowledge the excellent coverage in the Dispatch’s reporting of the “fine print” in Ohio’s budget bill. Particularly the items that were not vetoed. This is a good example of why local newspapers are such an important part of democracy and what prompted me to send the following to Gov. Mike DeWine last week:
Gov. DeWine,
Thank you for your recent vetoes. I know you can’t please everyone, and while some items left in the budget are hard to swallow (tax cuts for millionaires, tax dollars for a failing NFL franchise and more than a few non-budgetary items with grave consequences), you struck down many of the most extreme and harmful proposals, and I appreciate that.
I believe your legacy might be defined by your integrity — perhaps even if it is only as the least corrupt Ohio governor in recent memory (setting aside the HB 6 episode). That said, too often you’ve sided with what the FBI has labeled the most corrupt Statehouse in the country.
So I want to thank you for showing courage this time by vetoing the most egregious elements of the budget. As you move through the remainder of your tenure, I hope you’ll make decisions grounded in the oath of office you swore on the Bible to when you were elected.
Your political debts are paid. Now is the time to help restore a Republican Party rooted in decency and constitutional respect — one that honors home rule, fairly funds public education and combats fraud and waste without punishing the people who need these essential programs.
You’ve shown that you’re capable of this leadership. What you do from here on out will define your legacy.
Susan Miller, Columbus
Keep Ohio out of military-industrial complex
Regarding “Anduril gets record $310M grant” (July 10): JobsOhio is at it again.
This nonprofit development corporation is funded by a lease of Ohio state liquor sales profits. The Dispatch reported that JobsOhio has awarded a $310 million grant to Anduril, a weapons maker. Anduril is to build a plant in Pickaway County that will produce drones and autonomous weapons systems.
It is my opinion that the military-industrial complex of our country receives plenty of funding from the federal government. For Ohio to get involved in this business is unnecessary, and I am disappointed.
David J. Hart, Columbus
Texas floods death toll surpasses 100
When asked if he would investigate whether the cuts left key vacancies in the weather service or emergency coordination, President Donald Trump said he wouldn’t blame former President Joe Biden for it either. “I would just say this is a hundred-year catastrophe, and it’s just so horrible to watch.”
The same could be said for Trump’s recent presidential elections; unfortunately, they have proven to be a four-year catastrophe.
Syd Lifshin, Columbus
This story was updated to add a video.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: After recent vetoes, it’s time for DeWine to restore Republican Party | Letters
Reporting by Letters to the Editor / The Columbus Dispatch
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