Today was “Swear in Day” Szollosi as Speaker Pro Tempore, Wagoner as Majority Whip
I received releases on quite a few members of the Ohio House and Senate that were sworn in today. Rather than list all of them since some of them are not from Northwestern Ohio, I’m going to share the two releases that relate to our area, one from Representative Matt Szollosi and one from Senator Mark Wagoner, they are listed in the order in which they were received in today via email:
State Rep. Matt Szollosi Sworn In as New House Speaker Pro Tempore
Toledo Lawmaker Ready to Take on Leadership Responsibilities
COLUMBUS – State Representative Matt Szollosi (D-Toledo) today took the oath of office as House Speaker Pro Tempore – the second-highest ranking position in the Ohio House of Representatives – for the 128th General Assembly.
“I am honored to serve alongside Speaker Armond Budish in leading the Ohio House of Representatives at such a critical juncture in Ohio’s history,” Rep. Szollosi said. “We will reach across the aisle to craft an agenda that produces positive results for the residents of Ohio. People are hurting in this economic downturn, and we need to step up with creative solutions to our challenges. I look forward to working closely with the Strickland Administration to move Ohio’s economy forward.”
Rep. Szollosi is beginning his second term as State Representative for the 49th Ohio House District.
Wagoner Sworn in During Opening Day of the 128th General Assembly
Selected to serve as Majority Whip for the Republican Caucus
Surrounded by family and friends, Senator Mark Wagoner is administered the oath of office by Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton.
Columbus – During a ceremony held at the Statehouse as part of the opening day festivities for the 128th General Assembly, State Senator Mark Wagoner (R-Toledo) was today officially sworn in as Senator for the 2nd Senate District. Appointed in early 2008 to fill the unexpired term of Representative Randy Gardner, Senator Wagoner previously represented the 46th House District in the Ohio House of Representatives for four years. Additionally, Senator Wagoner was selected by his peers to serve as Majority Whip for the Republican Caucus.
“I am both honored and humbled to serve the constituents of the 2nd Senate District in the Ohio Senate for the next four years,” Wagoner said. “While Ohio is facing difficult decisions ahead, I am confident that the work we do in the 128th General Assembly will help to improve the quality of life for all Ohioans.”
Toledo has not enjoyed this level of power since 1961 when Michael Disalle was Governor and John King was Speaker of the House and John Andrews of Toledo was Ohio Republican Party Chairman.
Let’s see if this bipartisan power representation translates into good things for Toledo. It sure didn’t when Teresa Fedor held a leadership position. Of course, Fedor doesn’t represent her district, she’s the Senator from the teachers’ union.
January 7th, 2009 at 12:16 am