Governor Strickland says he doesn’t give a damn what some of the media says…
Interesting story in yesterday’s Columbus Dispatch, Governor’s doubters grow. No matter which side you are on, supporting the governor or supporting his detractors, it’s a recommended read. I also really recommend listening to the audio. The Governor says quite a bit that’s not covered as part of the article and you can clearly hear the frustration in his voice with some of the questions. Part of the article:
After two years of smooth sailing, a disastrous economy has put a strain on state finances and Strickland himself. As the governor travels about seeking support for his plan to transform Ohio’s education system, Republicans and independent observers say Strickland is risking his credibility by not being forthright about a state budget that they equate to a house of cards, ready to collapse in little more than two years.
“I think the Republican leadership is furious that I’m not doing what they expected me to do as a Democratic governor. And they’re trying to write my playbook, and they don’t have any right to do that. I think they expected me to raise taxes so they could spend the next 10 months criticizing me for raising taxes.”
The criticism has exposed Strickland’s combative side. He was testy in the interview, especially when asked about an Akron Beacon Journal column questioning fuzzy math in Strickland’s education-funding plan.
“I really don’t give a damn what the Akron Beacon Journal says about me in an editorial or, quite frankly, The Columbus Dispatch,” Strickland said. “That’s not what keeps me awake at night. What keeps me awake at night is trying to do the right thing in the midst of difficult circumstances for the people of the state of Ohio.”
The Dispatch has been reporting stories increasingly critical of Governor Strickland an additional article today has a headline of Is Strickland washing his hands of the poor? where it’s reported that comment came from Joel Potts, head of the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors’ Association in a letter written to the governor expressing concern over the expected cuts in funding.
What kind of language is that for an ordained Methodist Minister??
March 9th, 2009 at 2:39 pmI have to admit I was pretty stunned to see an ABJ editorial that was critical of Stricklannd.
First time for everything I suppose!
March 9th, 2009 at 5:26 pmBen, the Blade has been pretty silent on all of this, anyone who doesn’t read the blogs or the other newspapers in the state would think all is well.
Clayton, if you listen to the audio, the Governor says, “Holy Hell” too.
March 9th, 2009 at 8:13 pmYou tell ‘em Mr. Strickland!!!!
March 9th, 2009 at 8:48 pmI think Governor Strickland is a fine Governor, and I believe him when he says he is trying to do the right thing for the people of Ohio, politics be damned. There is just something about this guy that is reassuring. I don’t get that same warm fuzzy at the federal level.
March 9th, 2009 at 9:28 pmI have been disappointed at how transparent this governor is as it relates to items such as the budget and the school funding proposal. That being said, this is a constant issue with every governmental body. I don’t see him as worse, just not any better. I guess you would say, business as usual.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:24 pmThe Gov. definitely has a short fuse if you push the right buttons. I’ve seen it up close and in person. His face gets red, fingers start pointing…..
March 11th, 2009 at 8:04 ammeghan wrote:
Meghan, sounds like he shares some traits with our Mayor.
March 11th, 2009 at 8:58 amI knew people who worked for Ted Strickland in Congress and he’s no Carty Finkbeiner.
He does have a temper. However, he never loses his composure and if he is angry at a person, does not belittle them. If you work for Ted and he’s angry with you, you know it. However, you are not humiliated and you don’t see your boss behaving in an unprofessional manner.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:57 pm