From the 11/10/06 Dispatch:

 

 

Coleman named to direct Strickland’s transition team

Friday, November 10, 2006

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland is turning to a former competitor to help assemble his administration.

 

Strickland announced yesterday that Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman will be chairman of his transition team.

 

"Mayor Coleman’s leadership will be invaluable in putting together an administration which will implement our plan to turn around Ohio," Strickland said in a statement.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news/news.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/10/20061110-D5-03.html

---

From the 11/9/06 Youngstown Vindicator:

 

 

Strickland vows to help the Valley

The incoming governor plans to establish a transition team shortly.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER

 

YOUNGSTOWN — Gov.-elect Ted Strickland said Mahoning Valley residents should be comforted knowing that he will do what he can to improve the area.

 

"I hope they know there's a person in the governor's office who knows them and understands them," said Strickland, of Lisbon, a Democratic congressman who easily won Tuesday's gubernatorial race. "I won't forget my connection to the region. I will be someone who will be accessible and available to the Valley."

 

...

 

http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/287458142753496.php

 

Past Strickland adviser picked as his chief of staff

Toledo native also to lead transition team

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Alan Johnson

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Relatively unknown outside Democratic political circles, John Haseley is about to become one of the most powerful men in Ohio.

 

Yesterday, Haseley, 43, a Toledo native who grew up in Athens and graduated from Ohio University, was named by Gov.-elect Ted Strickland as director of his transition team and chief of staff in the new administration.

 

Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman is chairman of Strickland’s transition leading up to the Jan. 8 inauguration.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://dispatch.com/news/news.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/11/20061111-C3-00.html

 

From the 11/15/06 Dispatch:

 

 

Glenns to plan inauguration for new governor

Strickland says he hasn’t ruled out keeping some of Taft’s appointees

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Joe Hallett

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland appointed former U.S. Sen. John Glenn and his wife, Annie, yesterday as co-chairmen of his inauguration, scheduled for Jan. 13.

 

Although Strickland will be sworn in as the state’s 68 th governor shortly after midnight Jan. 8, the inauguration will be held the following Saturday so "as many Ohioans as possible can come out and participate, particularly the young people," Sen. Glenn said.

 

...

 

Dispatch reporter Mark Niquette contributed to this story.

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/15/20061115-C6-00.html

 

From the 11/16/06 PD:

 

 

Suburbs to seek Strickland's help

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Thomas Ott

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Columbus -- When Governor-elect Ted Strickland takes office in January, Ohio's older suburbs want to welcome him with ideas to help them rebuild.

 

About 50 officials and advocates for the inner-ring suburbs of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton gathered here Wednesday. They discussed ways to shore up crumbling roads, redevelop abandoned property and keep cities from using state-sanctioned tax breaks to pirate businesses from each other.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-5739

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/116367096764530.xml&coll=2

 

From the 11/21/06 Dispatch:

 

 

Incoming governor opens informational Web site

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Mark Niquette

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland has launched a new Web site for those seeking information related to the transition to his new administration, including news, details about jobs, volunteer opportunities and contact information.

 

The Web address is: http://govelect.ohio.gov.

 

"This Web site is the onestop information source for those interested in the transition process," Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman said in a statement. He is helping lead Strickland’s transition team.

 

"We invite Ohioans from across the state to offer not only their skills and service but also their ideas and suggestions on how best to turn around Ohio."

 

Coleman said the Web site will give Ohioans the opportunity to submit comments or policy suggestions, upload resumes and apply for positions in the new administration.

 

The official Strickland-Lee Fisher transition office was to open yesterday Downtown in the Riffe Center.

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news/news.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/21/20061121-D4-05.html

 

From the 11/29/06 Dispatch:

 

 

GRAPHIC: Lee Fisher

 

Fisher to lead economic push

Lt. governor-elect picked for development post

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland moved to fill his first cabinet post yesterday by tapping running mate Lee Fisher as the next director of the Ohio Department of Development.

 

Strickland said he plans to nominate Fisher, the former Ohio attorney general and the 1998 Democratic nominee for governor, after taking office Jan. 8. Fisher must be confirmed by the Ohio Senate.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/29/20061129-B1-00.html

---

From the 11/29/06 PD:

 

 

Gilligan suggests plain pragmatism for new governor

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Mark Rollenhagen

Plain Dealer Bureau

 

Cincinnati - When Ted Strickland is sworn into office in January, he will face a challenge unseen in Ohio for 35 years: a Democratic governor trying to convince a Republican-controlled legislature to go along with his program.

 

The last time it happened was in 1971 when John J. "Jack" Gilligan managed to get Republicans to join with Democrats in establishing Ohio's first income tax to help pay for education and human services. He lasted just one term.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 1-800-228-8272

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1164794840139720.xml&coll=2

 

From the 11/30/06 PD:

 

 

Want to work for Strickland? Send resume

Gov.-elect wants inclusive' transition

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Mark Rollenhagen

Plain Dealer Bureau

 

Columbus -- They're back.

 

Democrats who have been shut out of the governor's office for 16 years are lining up to work for Gov.-elect Ted Strickland.

 

Strickland's transition team on Wednesday released the resumes of about 800 people who have applied for jobs in the new administration when Strickland takes office on Jan. 8.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 1-800-228-8272[/i]

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1164880036222660.xml&coll=2

 

LAST-MINUTE BILLS

GOP sets off-limits areas for Strickland

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Jim Siegel

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Welcome Gov. Ted Strickland. Prepare to make yourself comfortable in your new government.

 

Just don’t touch Medicaid spending as it relates to abortions. And don’t even entertain the idea that schools should start paying union-scale wages on state-funded building projects.

 

Oh, don’t think you’re going to milk no-bid state contractors for big campaign donations. And as for all those rules your agencies are going to create, be ready for more scrutiny than Gov. Bob Taft ever had to deal with.

 

...

 

 

[email protected]

http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/10/20061210-A1-01.html

From the 12/5/06 Dispatch:

 

 

GRAPHIC: Key players

 

Strickland teams look at what works

Advisory groups mark return of ‘Celestials’

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland has assembled teams featuring some "Celestials" and other high-profile Democrats to study key areas of state government for the incoming administration.

 

The teams will evaluate practices in 14 areas, including education, economic development and criminal justice, and submit their findings and recommendations to Strickland.

 

...

 

Dispatch Senior Editor Joe Hallett contributed to this story.

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/05/20061205-D2-01.html

---

From the 12/5/06 Enquirer:

 

 

Strickland names 8 from area to key roles

BY JON CRAIG | ENQUIRER COLUMBUS BUREAU

 

COLUMBUS - Gov.-elect Ted Strickland named eight Cincinnati-area politicians, public officials and business leaders to key transition posts Monday.

 

Strickland, a Democrat, organized his transition teams into 14 major government areas. Coordinators appointed to each area will lead teams to evaluate the budgets, regulations and performance of various government agencies and departments.

 

...

 

E-mail [email protected]

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/NEWS01/612050350/1056/COL02

---

From the 12/5/06 DDN:

 

 

Area leaders get roles in Strickland transition

Former MeadWestvaco Corp. chairman, Dayton mayor are part of team.

By William Hershey

Staff Writer

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

 

COLUMBUS — Former MeadWestvaco Corp. Chairman Jerry Tatar on Monday was named chairman of Gov.-elect Ted Strickland's transition review team on regulatory climate.

 

Tatar was one of four Dayton-area representatives named to leadership roles on the 14 review teams that will evaluate state government operations and report to Strickland before he and Lt. Gov.-elect Lee Fisher take office Jan. 8.

 

...

 

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or [email protected].

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/04/ddn120506transition.html

---

From the 12/5/06 ABJ:

 

 

Plusquellic named to Strickland team

 

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic has been appointed to the transition team of Ohio Gov.-Elect Ted Strickland.

 

Plusquellic will chair economic development and work-force planning, along with Mark Barbash, Columbus development director.

 

...

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16166960.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

---

From the 12/5/06 Youngstown Vindicator:

 

 

Strickland picks 3 from Valley for his teams

A Columbiana County commissioner will serve as a team coordinator.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland appointed Mahoning Valley politicians to serve as co-chairmen of two of his 14 transition teams, and a Youngstown native as head of his ethics team.

 

Strickland, of Lisbon, along with Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, the transition team's chairman, announced the team leaders Monday. The teams will concentrate on 14 major areas, which include personnel, economic development and work force issues, government efficiency, and education.

 

...

 

http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/330393549326049.php

 

From the 12/6/06 Gallipolis Daily Tribune:

 

 

Deel will coordinate Strickland advisory group

By Kevin Kelly

Wednesday, December 6, 2006 7:32 PM EST

 

GALLIPOLIS — Gallia County Commissioner Fred Deel will serve as coordinator of a team for incoming Gov. Ted Strickland that will look at an area considered key to southern Ohio.

 

Deel will lead the team for the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, the agency that facilitates needs for the 29 counties considered part of Appalachia in Ohio, including Gallia.

 

...

 

http://www.mydailytribune.com/articles/2006/12/06/news/local_news/news00.txt

 

From the 12/8/06 PD:

 

 

Familiar faces seek jobs with Ohio's new governor

Friday, December 08, 2006

Mark Rollenhagen

Plain Dealer Bureau Chief

 

Columbus -- The line to get into the Strickland administration is getting longer.

 

More than 1,500 job-seekers have filed résumés through a Web site -- www.govelect.ohio.gov -- set up by Ted Strickland, who will become Ohio's first Democratic governor in 16 years on Jan. 8.

 

Richard Shank, who was director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency under the last Democratic governor, Dick Celeste, wants his old job back.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 1-800-228-8272

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1165572413326570.xml&coll=2

 

From the 12/9/06 Dispatch:

 

 

GRAPHIC: Profiles of Levin, Sabety

 

2 old Celeste hands given job of writing first budget

Strickland names Sabety and Levin to key cabinet posts

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Joe Hallett

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

With his first biennial budget due to the General Assembly by March 15, Gov.-elect Ted Strickland yesterday appointed two veterans of Ohio’s last Democratic administration to key budgetary cabinet posts.

 

Strickland selected Pari Sabety as director of the Office of Budget and Management and Richard A. Levin as state tax commissioner. Their salaries are being negotiated.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/09/20061209-C3-00.html

---

From the 12/9/06 Dispatch:

 

 

Democrats form corporations

Nonprofits to pay for inauguration activities

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Mark Niquette and James Nash

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

After a campaign that broke Ohio fundraising records, Gov.-elect Ted Strickland has created a nonprofit corporation to raise about $1 million more in chunks of up to $25,000 apiece to pay for the weekend events around his formal inauguration on Jan. 13.

 

Incoming Democratic Attorney General Marc Dann, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Treasurer Richard Cordray are following suit — but with contribution limits at $5,000 — to pay for their inaugurations and, in the case of Brunner and Cordray, to pay staff salaries for their transitions as well.

 

...

 

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/09/20061209-C1-00.html

 

From the 12/19/06 Dispatch:

 

 

Big game prompts second ceremony for Strickland

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Mark Niquette

 

Democrat Ted Strickland will take the ceremonial oath of office and deliver his inaugural address as the state’s 68 th governor Jan. 13 at 11:30 a.m. on the west lawn of the Ohio Statehouse, his transition committee announced yesterday.

 

The event is free and open to the public, although Strickland is encouraging those who attend the inaugural festivities to donate a bag of nonperishable food or make a monetary donation to the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks.

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/19/20061219-D2-05.html

 

From the 12/20/06 Fairborn Daily Herald:

 

 

Locals evaluate policy for Strickland-Fisher transition

RAINEY HOWARTH

Staff Writer

 

FAIRBORN -- Governor-Elect Ted Strickland and Lt. Governor-Elect Lee Fisher are using the remaining time in 2006 preparing to take office in January, and two Greene County locals are contributing to the transition.

 

Strickland-Fisher transition teams have been set up to evaluate current policy in 14 areas from education to health and human services, ethics and government efficiency.

 

...

 

http://www.fairborndailyherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=123345&TM=44875.41

 

From the 12/21/06 DDN:

 

 

Montgomery County official picked to run state department

By Joanne Huist Smith and William Hershey

Staff Writer

Thursday, December 21, 2006

 

DAYTON — Helen Jones-Kelley, the director of the Montgomery County Department of Jobs and Family Services, has been selected to run a key department in Ohio Governor-elect Ted Strickland's administration.

 

Strickland and Transition Chairman Michael Coleman announced Thursday the appointment of Jones-Kelley as director of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

 

...

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/21/ddn122106kelleyweb.html

 

From the 12/22/06 Dispatch:

 

 

Council member joining Strickland’s cabinet

Friday, December 22, 2006

Jodi Andes

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Mary Jo Hudson became the second Columbus City Council member to resign this week when Gov.-elect Ted Strickland announced yesterday that she will join his cabinet.

 

Hudson will lead the state’s Department of Insurance, Strickland announced.

 

Council President Matt Habash announced on Monday that he will leave office next month. The two departures mean that five of the seven City Council seats will be on the ballot in 2007, the first time that’s happened since 1995.

 

...

 

Dispatch reporter Robert Vitale contributed to this story.

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/22/20061222-D1-04.html

 

From the 12/24/06 Blade:

 

 

OHIO’S ECONOMY

Strickland vows end to ‘business as usual’

Innovation viewed as key to development

By JOSHUA BOAK and JIM TANKERSLEY

BLADE STAFF WRITERS

 

COLUMBUS — Gov-elect Ted Strickland says he will redirect Ohio’s development spending to the roots of the state’s economic slump: a shortage of the research, ideas, and investment that lead to profitable companies and higher incomes.

 

His administration will gauge its progress with a new “scorecard” focused on the areas shown to influence economic growth the most, including patent generation.

 

“Our responsibility is to keep the big picture in mind, while trying to be sympathetic to and responsive to the localized problems that are very real,” Mr. Strickland said.

 

...

 

Contact Joshua Boak at: [email protected] or 419-724-6728.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061224/NEWS24/61224001/-1/NEWS

 

From the 12/27/06 PD:

 

 

Strickland inaugural to be daylong affair

Low-key' events seek sense of unity

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Mark Naymik

Plain Dealer Politics Writer

 

With more than $1 million to spend, governor-elect Ted Strickland will try to balance pomp and policy during his daylong public inauguration celebration Jan. 13.

 

Though Strickland does not plan to release details of the celebration until Friday, contributors to his gubernatorial campaign began receiving invitations over the weekend.

 

The first Democrat to lead Ohio in 16 years, Strickland will usher in his first term with a sunrise prayer service followed by a tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-4849

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/116721222947230.xml&coll=2

 

From the 1/1/07 Blade:

 

 

NEW OHIO GOVERNOR

Strickland plans to take a cautious path in state

Proposals will require time

By JIM PROVANCE

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

 

COLUMBUS - After nearly a year of campaigning, voters should have a pretty good idea of what to expect from a Gov. Ted Strickland.

 

But it could be a year or so before they know exactly what the Democrat plans to do about school funding. And it could be two years before he starts tinkering with the state's tax system, if at all.

 

The governor-elect is confident he will roll out a proposal designed to make Ohio a major player in alternative and renewable fuels like ethanol and wind power, but details on what that policy would entail are probably months away.

 

...

 

Contact Jim Provance at: [email protected] or 614-221-0496.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070101/NEWS24/701010383/-1/NEWS

 

From the 1/3/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Strickland selects director for Natural Resources

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Mark Niquette

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland named the sixth member of his cabinet yesterday when he tapped former state Rep. Sean Logan as director of the Department of Natural Resources.

 

Logan, 40, has been a Columbiana County commissioner since 2001 and currently is president of the board. From 1990 to 2000, he was a member of the Ohio House, where he served on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/03/20070103-B6-06.html

 

From the 1/4/07 DDN:

 

 

Inaugural events begin Monday in Columbus

By William Hershey

Staff Writer

Thursday, January 04, 2007

 

COLUMBUS — Inaugural activities for Gov.-elect Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov.-elect Lee Fisher on Jan. 13 will start with an ecumenical prayer service and conclude with an inaugural ball at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

 

Strickland and Fisher will be officially sworn in just after midnight Monday.

 

Attorney General-elect Marc Dann, Treasurer-elect Richard Cordray and Secretary of State-elect Jennifer Brunner will hold a separate celebration on Jan. 12.

 

...

 

More information: www.turnaroundohio.com

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/04/ddn010407inaugural.html

---

From the 1/4/07 Dispatch:

 

 

TOLL OF TRANSITION

State workers sweating it out

Many await word on government jobs

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Catherine Candisky , Alan Johnson , James Nash and Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Will they have a job Monday or will they be home watching Oprah?

 

As Gov.-elect Ted Strickland and four other new state officeholders prepare to take over next week, many of the nearly 8,000 people who could be replaced are still waiting for that answer.

 

Many may follow Jon Allen’s lead.

 

"I’ll keep coming until somebody tells me not to," quipped Allen, who has worked under seven directors during 10 years at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

 

...

 

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/04/20070104-A1-01.html

---

From the 1/4/07 Blade:

 

 

Governor-elect Strickland adds Toledo man to cabinet

Sunshine Inc. director is tapped to lead state's MRDD board

By JIM PROVANCE

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

 

COLUMBUS - Governor-elect Ted Strickland yesterday added his first Toledoan to his cabinet as he continues to fashion a team with just days to go before he is sworn into office.

 

John Martin, executive director of Sunshine Inc. of Northwest Ohio, was named director of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

 

The father of a 22-year-old son with severe disabilities, Mr. Martin, 54, said he has watched as taxpayer-funded Medicaid support for such services as dental care for the disabled has eroded over recent years.

 

...

 

Contact Jim Provance at: [email protected], or 614-221-0496.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070104/NEWS09/701040415/-1/NEWS

 

From the 1/5/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Strickland selects Department of Health director

Friday, January 05, 2007

Catherine Candisky

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov.-elect Ted Strickland yesterday named Dr. Alvin Jackson as head of the Ohio Department of Health.

 

Jackson has been medical director of Community Health Services in Fremont since 1995. The neighborhood clinic provides care to residents regardless of their ability to pay and serves many of Ohio’s migrant farm workers.

 

Jackson is the ninth cabinet appointment made by Strickland, a Democrat who will succeed two-term Republican Bob Taft when he is sworn into office Monday.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/05/20070105-D4-02.html

 

From the 1/6/06 Enquirer:

 

 

Strickland takes over Monday

BY HOWARD WILKINSON | [email protected]

 

Ohio's constitution says that a new governor is to take office on the second Monday of January - this coming Monday - and Ted Strickland, of course, will follow the law.

 

But the constitution doesn't say he has to do it at 12:01 a.m. Monday, which is what Strickland plans to do.

 

When the clock strikes midnight Sunday, Republican Bob Taft's eight years as Ohio's governor will officially come to an end. One minute later, Strickland will take the oath of office in the governor's ceremonial office in the Statehouse.

 

...

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/NEWS01/701060361/1056/COL02

 

From the 1/7/07 Blade:

 

 

LOW-KEY CEREMONY TO USHER IN NEW ERA

Strickland will take oath after midnight

By JIM PROVANCE

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

 

COLUMBUS — When Ted Strickland raises his right hand and places his left on his Bible early tomorrow morning while most Ohioans are asleep, he will quietly become the state’s 68th governor and the first in 45 years not to come from one of the Big C’s — Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

 

He also will be the first since the last Democrat, Gov. Richard Celeste, to work out of his Statehouse office just yards from the Republican-controlled Senate and House and across the hall from the Ohio press corps as opposed to the 30th floor of an office tower across the street.

 

...

 

Contact Jim Provance at: [email protected], or 614-221-0496.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070107/NEWS09/70107040/-1/NEWS

---

From the 1/7/07 DDN:

 

 

State's standing hinges on bipartisan game

Play between Strickland and legislature will set tone soon, say Michigan lawmakers familiar with political turf.

By William Hershey

Staff Writer

Sunday, January 07, 2007

 

COLUMBUS — Ohioans don't like to use Michigan's playbook — even in politics — but four years ago that state up north went through a similar political transformation.

 

Democrat Jennifer Granholm took over as Michigan's governor from a three-term Republican. With her veto pen still at the ready, Granholm through the end of the year had vetoed 107 bills and still was reviewing others.

 

...

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/06/ddn010707strickland.html

---

From same:

 

 

Cooperation key to productive term in split Statehouse

Governor, House speaker, Senate president all have education atop their priorities.

By William Hershey

Staff Writer

Sunday, January 07, 2007

 

COLUMBUS — Ken Sikkema knows the dance that's about to begin in Ohio between Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and the Republican-controlled legislature.

 

Sikkema, a Republican, was majority leader in the Michigan Senate for the past four years. Republicans controlled the House and Senate but Democrat Jennifer Granholm was governor. Granholm took over from Republican John Engler in 2003.

 

...

 

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or [email protected]

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/06/ddn010707stricklandinside.html

---

From the 1/7/07 ABJ:

 

 

Democrats line up for jobs with state

Election victories spur turnover in thousands of posts in Columbus

By Dennis J. Willard

Beacon Journal Columbus Bureau

 

COLUMBUS - Moments after midnight tonight, Ted Strickland will officially take the oath of office in a quiet ceremony in the governor's office at the Statehouse.

 

From then until Saturday, when Ohio's 68th governor will hold a full day of festivities to celebrate being sworn in publicly, the face of state government will change from red to primarily blue.

 

...

 

Dennis J. Willard can be reached at 614-224-1613 or [email protected].

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16403863.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

---

From the 1/7/07 Dispatch:

 

 

GRAPHIC: The new first lady

 

New first lady aims to keep governor in tune

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Anyone who heard Frances Strickland on the campaign trail in the fall, playing her guitar and singing about her husband’s childhood on Duck Run, probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Ohio’s next first lady once dreamed of becoming a musician.

 

Mrs. Strickland says she chose to attend Murray State University in Kentucky specifically because it had a good music college.

 

"I secretly wanted to get into music, but I never told anybody and they never discovered me, so I went into teaching instead," she said.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/07/20070107-C1-04.html

 

From the 1/8/07 Dispatch:

 

 

PHOTO: Ted Strickland, center, is sworn in as governor by Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer of the Ohio Supreme Court in a ceremony at the Statehouse. At right is the new first lady, Frances Strickland.

 

Oaths of office usher in a new era

Monday, January 08, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Ted Strickland was sworn in shortly after midnight as Ohio’s 68 th governor and immediately issued his first executive order restricting gifts and setting other ethics requirements for his administration.

 

Strickland, the state’s first Democratic governor in 16 years, said he made the order his first official act in response to a series of scandals during the past two years that helped sweep him and other Democrats into office.

 

"This order sends a clear message to all Ohioans that their government will answer to them, not special interests," Strickland said in a statement. "Let everyone know: It is no longer business as usual in Columbus, and we are all working together to make Ohio better."

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/08/20070108-B1-04.html

---

 

From the 1/9/07 Blade:

 

 

PHOTO: Ted Strickland strides toward his office in the Statehouse as an aide opens the door to begin his first day as governor. ( THE BLADE/ALLAN DETRICH )

 

PHOTO: Ex-Gov. Bob Taft’s name is removed. ( ASSOCIATED PRESS )

 

PHOTO: It is out with the old and in with the new at the Ohio governor’s office in the Statehouse. Mike Hoy, of the Columbus Sign Co. places Ted Strickland’s name on the door. ( ASSOCIATED PRESS )

 

Strickland acts quickly to wield his veto power

Governor axes bill Taft never signed but intended to be law

By JIM PROVANCE

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

 

COLUMBUS - It was certainly an interesting first day on the job.

 

Gov. Ted Strickland angered the Republican-controlled General Assembly and Ohio's business community by taking the unprecedented step of vetoing a bill his predecessor, Gov. Bob Taft, had intended to become law.

 

The Republican-controlled General Assembly immediately threatened to sue him.

 

...

 

Contact Jim Provance at: [email protected] or 614-221-0496.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070109/NEWS24/701090404/-1/NEWS

---

From the 1/9/07 Dispatch:

 

 

GRAPHIC: Strickland's cabinet

 

Strickland appoints 26 to work in governor’s office

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Mark Niquette

 

Gov. Ted Strickland, who took office yesterday, officially named 26 staff members who will play key roles in his office.

 

Led by Chief of Staff John Haseley, who directed Strickland’s gubernatorial campaign, the appointments include Jan Allen as cabinet secretary. She was deputy chief of staff under the last Democratic governor, Richard F. Celeste.

 

Kent Markus, who has worked as a professor at Capital University Law School and served as a counselor to former Attorney General Janet Reno and chief of staff to former attorney general and now-Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, is Strickland’s chief counsel.

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/09/20070109-C7-07.html

 

From the Other Paper, 1/11/07:

 

 

TEDDY BALLGAME

With his ornery veto, the new governor scores a political win

By Dan Williamson / January 11, 2007

 

Bob Taft’s final gift to the people of Ohio was a constitutional conundrum. If he’d simply signed or vetoed Senate Bill 117, the hot topic at the Statehouse would be Ted Strickland’s new office furniture.

 

Instead, a partisan battle of an unprecedented nature has broken out on Capitol Square.

 

As was so often the case with Taft, when the bill wound up on the outgoing governor’s desk late last month, he couldn’t decide whether he liked it or not.

 

...

 

http://www.theotherpaper.com/TOP1-11/1-11_coverstory.html

 

Both from the 1/12/07 Dispatch:

 

 

PHOTO: ODOT worker Fred Morgan puts the names of Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher over their predecessors’ on a sign above I-74 at the Indiana border.

 

The signs, they are a-changing across Ohio

ODOT busy pasting ‘Strickland’ over ‘Taft’ on rest stops, welcome signs

Friday, January 12, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

There’s one sure sign that a new governor has taken office in Ohio. Actually, there are 122 of them.

 

The welcome signs on highways and at rest stops are being updated by the Ohio Department of Transportation, as happens each time a new governor is sworn into office.

 

With Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher taking office this week, ODOT is finishing its work on the 34 highway welcome signs along the state borders, as well as the 88 signs at rest stops that bear the names of former Gov. Bob Taft and Lt. Gov. Bruce E. Johnson.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/12/20070112-A1-03.html

---

Strickland names two cabinet members, Medicaid chief

New governor has 11 of 23 top offices filled

Friday, January 12, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland filled two more positions in his cabinet yesterday and also picked a new director of the state’s Medicaid program.

 

Strickland tapped Christopher Korleski to be director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Barbara Riley as director of the Ohio Department of Aging and Cristal Thomas as Medicaid director.

 

Korleski has been counsel to Honda of America in Marysville since 1996. Riley served as head of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services under Gov. Bob Taft. Thomas has worked at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services since 2003.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/12/20070112-E3-00.html

 

From the 1/13/06 Dispatch:

 

 

2007 INAUGURATION

Party’s party has a rural touch

Democrats will salute Strickland (and gobble lobster corn dogs)

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Mark Niquette and Alan Johnson

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Democrats from across Ohio are descending on Columbus this weekend as Gov. Ted Strickland and other statewide Democrats are formally inaugurated with pomp mixed with lobster corn dogs and "jazzed-up fair food."

 

Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, who took office Monday, were set to repeat their ceremonial oaths of office about noon today, followed by Strickland’s inaugural address as the state’s 68 th governor.

 

Newly elected Attorney General Marc Dann, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Treasurer Richard Cordray got the weekend started last night at inaugural festivities at the Hyatt Regency.

 

...

 

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/13/20070113-D1-01.html

---

Welcoming Gov. Strickland

Saturday, January 13, 2007

 

Gov. Ted Strickland has scheduled several events surrounding his formal inauguration today:

 

• 7 a.m.: Ecumenical prayer service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E. Broad St., Columbus

 

• 9:30 a.m.: An inaugural tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus

 

• 11:30 a.m.: Oath of office ceremony for Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher on the Statehouse west lawn. (In case of bad weather, the event will be held in the Palace Theatre.) Strickland, Fisher and their wives will greet the public in the Statehouse Atrium after the ceremony.

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/13/20070113-D1-05.html

 

From the 1/14/07 Dispatch:

 

 

 

Strickland promises to put Ohio on ‘road of renewal’

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Stressing public education, bipartisan cooperation and even giving his own invocation, Democrat Ted Strickland was inaugurated yesterday as Ohio’s 68 th governor.

 

The ceremonial swearing-in of Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in front of more than 1,000 people who braved intermittent rain on the west lawn of the Statehouse completed the first change in power in the governor’s office in 16 years.

 

An ordained Methodist minister, Strickland was pressed into service to give the opening invocation when the pastor scheduled to do it wasn’t there.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/14/20070114-A1-05.html

Full text of Gov. Strickland’s inaugural address

The Columbus Dispatch

Saturday, January 13, 2007

 

Governor Strickland's Inaugural Address

(Delivered at the Statehouse in Columbus on Saturday)

 

My Fellow Ohioans:

 

Good morning. The scripture reminds us that today -- like every day -- is a day which the Lord has made. So let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 

I want to say thank you to Senator John Glenn, and his wonderful wife Annie, for co-chairing these inaugural events.

 

I'd like to thank Frances, my wife and my best friend. And all of my family here from Appalachian Ohio.

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=239719

From same:

 

 

A hopeful start, but many challenges lie ahead

School funding, economy to test governor’s resolve

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Joe Hallett

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Rex and Mary Ann Whinery and their daughter Sara got what they came for — hope.

 

They stood in the drizzle and mud on the west lawn of the Statehouse — Rex a machinist, Mary Ann a sales clerk, and Sara a University of Akron student — and heard their governor, the one from back home in Lisbon, assure them that things will get better.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/14/20070114-A1-01.html

From the 1/14/07 Blade:

 

 

Strickland signals willingness to fight

Veto of lead-paint lawsuit measure from lame duck sends message to GOP

By JIM TANKERSLEY

BLADE POLITICS WRITER

 

Ted Strickland saved his pomp for the weekend and his big-picture policies for ... later. Instead, Ohio's new governor filled his first week with messages - for Republicans and for voters.

 

As the governor himself put it: "I don't want people to mistake kindness for weakness."

 

Mr. Strickland, the first Democrat to hold the governor's office in 16 years, began his term Monday with strict new ethics rules for his administration and a cannon shot at the Republican-controlled General Assembly: a constitutionally murky veto of a lawsuit-restriction bill passed at the end of a lame-duck session last month.

 

...

 

Contact Jim Tankersley at: [email protected] or 419-724-6134.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070114/NEWS24/701140325/-1/NEWS

 

From the 1/15/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Labor hopes for governor’s ear

Unions want to make most of Democratic power shift

Monday, January 15, 2007

Alan Johnson

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

For 16 years, organized labor was sometimes invited to the Republican table in Columbus but rarely asked to eat. However, with Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland in office, it’s dinnertime.

 

In those many years since Democrat Gov. Richard F. Celeste left office in January 1991, folks have become hungry at the Ohio Education Association, the Ohio AFL-CIO, the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, the Service Employees International Union and other labor organizations.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/15/20070115-C1-02.html

 

From the 1/16/06 DDN:

 

 

Strickland stresses theme of 'hope' for his administration

By William Hershey

Staff Writer

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

 

COLUMBUS — It's too early to tell what kind of governor Ted Strickland will be, but as Strickland begins his second week in office, the central theme of his new administration already is clear:

 

Hope.

 

Strickland used "hope" or "hopes" 13 times in his inaugural address Saturday. The state's first Democratic governor in 16 years also called for unity, all the while invoking the names of Republican presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.

 

...

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/16/ddn011607strickland.html

---

From the 1/16/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Strickland’s shindig made possible by these sponsors

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Mark Niquette

 

Gov. Ted Strickland emphasized average Ohioans during his inauguration over the weekend, both in his inaugural address and in making his events affordable and accessible to all.

 

But Strickland relied heavily on big corporations to pay for it all.

 

Strickland’s inaugural committee doesn’t plan to release the details of the contributions and expenses until all of the financial information is finalized, but the official program for the inauguration lists more than 90 donors who combined gave at least $1.5 million.

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/16/20070116-D3-01.html

---

From same:

 

 

New governor already thinking about 2008

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

 

Ted Strickland had just been formally inaugurated as Ohio’s 68 th governor but was looking forward to the 2008 presidential race when he spoke to supporters Saturday night at his inaugural ball.

 

"We are fighting for the heart and soul of the United States of America," Strickland told a cheering throng of Democrats and other supporters in brief remarks at the state fairgrounds. "We must rebuild Ohio … so in ’08 we can reclaim America."

 

Strickland also stressed the importance of building "the infrastructure to elect the next president of the United States."

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/16/20070116-D3-03.html

 

From the 1/17/07 DDN:

 

 

Strickland names energy adviser, orders energy savings policies

By Kristin McAllister

Staff Writer

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

 

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order naming an energy adviser to coordinate the state's efforts in creating jobs by becoming the leader of next-generation energy production.

 

Strickland appointed Mark Shanahan, executive director of the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, to the position.

 

...

 

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-9338 or [email protected].

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/17/ddn011607shanahanweb.html

 

From the 1/19/07 DDN:

 

 

Rep. White critical of Strickland's changes

White is upset that the new governor has replaced 3 staffers and is reviewing grants for the faith-based office.

By William Hershey

Staff Writer

Friday, January 19, 2007

 

COLUMBUS — State Rep. John White, R-Kettering, on Thursday lashed out at Gov. Ted Strickland for giving the "appearance of complete incompetence" with changes at the governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

 

Strickland, a Democrat, has replaced three staffers — two of the new employees worked on his campaign — and his staff is reviewing grants previously awarded by outgoing Republican Gov. Bob Taft. The office awards federal grants in areas such as mentoring youths and building stronger marriages and families.

 

"This is just a completely reckless act. You're taking all the institutional knowledge away without an orderly transition," said White, chairman of the office's advisory board.

 

...

 

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or [email protected].

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/19/ddn011907faith.html

 

From the 1/20/07 Dispatch:

 

 

3 more named to Strickland’s cabinet

Drug/alcohol chief, safety director hail from Columbus

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Mark Niquette and Alan Johnson

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland has tapped a top Columbus official, a woman who runs a drug- and alcohol-treatment center in the city, and a former state legislator to join his cabinet.

 

Strickland appointed Henry Guzman, director of the city’s Public Service Department, as director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

 

Angela Cornelius, executive director of Project Linden, is Strickland’s choice to head the Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.

 

...

 

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/20/20070120-C2-00.html

 

From the 1/21/07 ABJ:

 

 

Strickland's employment questioning not as strict

Governor cuts out information that Taft's administration wanted

By Dennis J. Willard

Beacon Journal Columbus Bureau

 

COLUMBUS - Gov. Ted Strickland, who ran for office promising to fight the culture of corruption in state government, has decided to ask fewer questions than his predecessor, Bob Taft, about potentially embarrassing or problematic secrets of employees destined to fill the bulk of 5,681 patronage jobs in his administration.

 

In one of his first personnel moves, Strickland trimmed nine of the 10 sensitive, yet revealing, questions on a background form used by the Taft administration.

 

Once four pages, now barely a page and a half, Strickland is asking unclassified employees only to list the dates of any felony or misdemeanor convictions.

 

...

 

Dennis J. Willard can be reached at 614-224-1613 or [email protected].

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16512296.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

From the 1/24/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Strickland decides to keep Taft’s inspector general

New governor has 8 cabinet seats left to fill

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland is keeping Thomas P. Charles as the state’s inspector general, a key member of the task force that has been investigating scandals in state government.

 

The governor also named state Sen. Kimberly A. Zurz yesterday to run the state Commerce Department, leaving him eight positions to fill in his 23-member cabinet.

 

Charles, 64, was appointed inspector general by Republican Gov. George V. Voinovich in September 1998 and was reappointed by Republican Gov. Bob Taft.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/24/20070124-B3-00.html

 

Here's what the loser is doing. Isn't "Conservative Think Tank" an oximoron?

 

 

 

Blackwell joins conservative think tank

Friday, February 16, 2007

Mark Naymik

Plain Dealer Politics Writer

 

Ken Blackwell, last year's Republican nominee for governor and former secretary of state, is pushing a conservative agenda again.

 

Blackwell, whose 2006 campaign platform included cutting taxes and expanding school choice, has joined the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions, a Columbus-based conservative think tank. He will receive a stipend under a fellowship named for former President Ronald Reagan.

 

"He will be doing it all when it comes to disseminating our conservative viewpoint - he'll be speaking and representing us at the national level and preparing pieces for publication," said David Hansen, president of the Buckeye Institute.

 

...

 

www.cleveland.com

I still have a spot at the end of my driveway for that bigot.

From the 1/25/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Strickland to choose PUCO panelist

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Alan Johnson

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The state agency regulating public utilities, like much of the rest of state government, could be transformed by Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.

 

But it won?t happen overnight at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, a fivemember panel that regulates electric, gas, telephone and water utilities, plus commercial transportation.

 

During his four-year term, Strickland will put his stamp on the commission by appointing four of five members. The agency, by law, can have no more than three members of the same party.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/25/20070125-D6-00.html

 

From the 1/28/07 Dispatch:

 

 

* GRAPHIC: Turnaround plans

* GRAPHIC: All the governor's men (and women)

 

Governor's young staff snug in new office

Strickland mixes things up, relocates to Statehouse

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland?s entire senior staff is crowded into two rooms at the Statehouse, with cubicle dividers separating some desks and others simply pushed next to one another.

 

Staff members say they wouldn?t have it any other way.

 

"We don?t like closed doors and closed offices," said John Haseley, Strickland?s chief of staff. "We like open space with all of us working within earshot of each other so that we can share ideas and yell across the hall."

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/28/20070128-C1-04.html

---

From the 1/28/07 Ironton Tribune:

 

 

Governor reflects on road to statehouse, looks ahead

By Mark Shaffer/The Ironton Tribune

Saturday, January 27, 2007 8:50 PM CST

 

Not bad for a boy from Route 1 in Lucasville, Ohio. In November, Ted Strickland became governor of Ohio and swung the political balance in the state for the first time in more than a decade.

 

 

Changing the balance

 

For the first time in a long time, the person in the governor’s chair was not only rural, he was from southern Ohio and he was Democrat. That caused many political pundits to recall the era when Vern Riffe from New Boston ruled Columbus as the speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.

 

...

 

http://www.irontontribune.com/articles/2007/01/28/news/news708.txt

 

From the 1/31/07 Dispatch:

 

 

* PHOTO: The governor's desk drawer at the Statehouse bears the names of the past three officeholders, but Gov. Ted Strickland is undecided whether he will add his.

 

Governors' old desk suits Strickland fine

Will he carve his name? He's not sure

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland hasn?t decided whether he will leave his mark the way three of his predecessors have.

 

But he has time to sharpen his knife.

 

Starting with George V. Voinovich and continuing with Nancy Putnam Hollister and Bob Taft, the previous officeholders have carved their names into the bottom of the top right-hand drawer of the 150-year-old desk in the governor?s office.

 

Strickland, who took office Jan. 8, said he might add his name but hasn?t decided because the tradition is to do it right before leaving office ? and the desk is a part of the state?s history, after all.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/31/20070131-B1-03.html

 

From the 2/2/07 PD:

 

 

So far, voters approve of Strickland, poll finds

Friday, February 02, 2007

Mark Naymik

Plain Dealer Politics Writer

 

Less than a month into his first term, Gov. Ted Strickland is doing well in the court of public opinion.

 

Forty-five percent of Ohio voters approve of his performance in office, and 60 percent support one of his first big moves, a decision to delay the executions of three men while he reviews their cases, a poll released Thursday shows.

 

The phone poll of 1,305 Ohio voters, conducted Jan. 23-28 by Quinnipiac University, shows that just 12 percent of those surveyed are unhappy with him. Forty-three percent said they are not ready to judge the Democratic governor. The poll has a margin of error of 2.7 percentage points.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-4849

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1170409842299160.xml&coll=2

---

From the 2/2/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Another Coleman staffer joining Strickland's team

Friday, February 02, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland tapped another member of Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman?s administration, the Montgomery County treasurer and a former state representative for three state appointments yesterday.

 

Strickland named Steve Campbell, Coleman?s senior adviser on regional affairs, as the chief of staff for the Ohio Department of Transportation, even as a search for the ODOT director continues.

 

The new governor also named Hugh Quill, the longtime Democratic Montgomery County treasurer, to his cabinet to lead the Department of Administrative Services.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/02/20070202-B7-02.html

 

From the 2/3/07 Dispatch:

 

 

GOP leaders sue Brunner, not Strickland, over first-day veto

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Mark Niquette and Jim Siegel

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Republican legislative leaders sued Secretary of State Jennifer L. Brunner yesterday in an attempt to overturn Gov. Ted Strickland?s veto of a controversial bill his predecessor wanted enacted into law.

 

The lawsuit, filed directly with the Ohio Supreme Court, seeks to overturn Strickland?s veto of Senate Bill 117, a businessbacked measure passed by the GOPcontrolled legislature in a lame-duck session at the end of last year. It would limit damages in consumer lawsuits and block cities from suing lead-pigment manufacturers.

 

...

 

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/03/20070203-A1-05.html

 

From the 2/6/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Web extra

Attorney general promises quick response to veto suit

By Mark Niquette

The Columbus Dispatch

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

 

Attorney General Marc Dann vowed yesterday to move quickly in answering a lawsuit brought by Republican legislative leaders challenging a veto Gov. Ted Strickland issued on his first day in office.

 

"We think it's in the interest of people of the state of Ohio and the consumers of the state who have an interest in Senate Bill 117, but also to the operation of government, that we get this resolved quickly," Dann said. "So I can tell you that we will exceed the deadlines as we go forward."

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/EPIC_shim.php?story=244818

 

Link contains photos. From the 2/11/07 Blade:

 

 

GOVERNOR'S STRATEGIES

Strickland favors more state control

K-12 and college education, health care would benefit

By JIM TANKERSLEY

BLADE POLITICS WRITER

 

COLUMBUS - Gov. Ted Strickland has settled on strategies to improve health care, education, and higher education in Ohio. The same strategy, in fact, for all three: more state control.

 

The newly elected Democrat says the move will boost quality and cut costs for the state's $10 billion annual investment in schools, colleges, and hospitals.

 

Mr. Strickland wants to resurrect state regulations on hospital construction, group universities under a chancellor who reports directly to him, and package new statewide school achievement standards with an effort to shift classroom funding from local taxing districts to the state budget.

 

...

 

Staff writer Joshua Boak contributed to this story.

 

Contact Jim Tankersley at [email protected] or 419-724-6134.

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070211/NEWS24/702110337/-1/RSS

 

From the 2/13/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Brown County engineer named director of ODOT

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday picked Brown County Engineer James G. Beasley to run the Ohio Department of Transportation, leaving the new governor six more cabinet positions to fill.

 

Beasley, 57, has been the engineer in the southwestern Ohio county since 1980 and will assume his new duties March 5 in what is typically one of the most patronage-laden agencies in state government.

 

Strickland said he has known Beasley for more than 30 years and "without a doubt" Beasley "has the character and integrity needed to manage this crucial department."

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/13/20070213-D3-01.html

 

From the 2/15/07 Blade:

 

 

Strickland's cabinet choices draw criticism

Finkbeiner 'very disappointed,' wants more Toledoans

By JIM TANKERSLEY

BLADE POLITICS WRITER

 

Carty Finkbeiner was an early supporter of Ted Strickland's gubernatorial campaign. Now he's an early critic of the new governor.

 

Toledo's mayor declared himself "very disappointed on the foot-dragging regarding key persons and positions that involve Toledoans" in an e-mail sent to Mr. Strickland's chief of staff less than a month after the governor took office.

 

The Jan. 26 message goes on to decry Mr. Strickland's failure to fill a regional deputy director position at the state transportation department, for which Mr. Finkbeiner said he had recommended three candidates.

 

...

 

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/NEWS09/702150389/-1/RSS

 

Link contains photos. From the 2/16/07 Chillicothe Gazette:

 

 

Strickland talks jobs

Education key to development potential

By LOREN GENSON

Gazette Staff Writer

 

Job creation and building a strong economy will play key roles in Gov. Ted Strickland's Turn Around Ohio initiative, and all Ohioans can play a role, he said in a visit to the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce annual dinner Thursday night.

 

"A governor alone can't build jobs, a governor alone cannot lift economic challenges," Strickland said. "But with the right leadership, Ohioans can. I'm here tonight to ask you to help."

 

...

 

(Genson can be reached at 772-9369 or via e-mail at [email protected])

 

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070216/NEWS01/702160301/1002/rss01

 

From the 2/20/07 PD:

 

 

Strickland focuses on Ohio's growth

Says better schools, transportation can help

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

James Ewinger

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Gov. Ted Strickland said Ohio still ranks in the top 10 states for manufacturing, for concentration of Fortune 500 companies, for production of durable goods and bio resources and for overall size of the state economy.

 

But the economy here continues to underperform, and efforts to rebuild it will be hampered as demands on the state budget continue to outstrip declining revenues, he said.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-3905

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1171967877286780.xml&coll=2

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Also from the 2/20/07 PD:

 

 

Governor's address

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

 

Gov. Ted Strickland spoke Monday before The Press Club of Cleveland. Among the topics:

 

Declining revenue will not keep pace with inflation and will fall further behind the state's needs.

 

He and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher have set economic development as a major priority.

 

He wants a bipartisan push in the legislature to address Ohio's school funding problems during the budget he is working on now.

 

...

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1171965828286780.xml&coll=2

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From the 2/20/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Strickland wishes he could take back refugee remarks

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Mark Niquette

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Gov. Ted Strickland says he has learned an early lesson in office the hard way: When the chief executive of a large state speaks, people listen.

 

Strickland, on the job for six weeks, is being slammed nationwide in newspaper editorials and Internet blogs for supposedly being heartless because of comments he made last week about Iraqi war refugees.

 

When asked whether he thinks any of the 7,000 Iraqi refugees that the Bush administration plans to allow into the United States this year should come to Ohio, Strickland, who opposed the war as a congressman, said no.

 

...

 

[email protected]

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/20/20070220-A1-03.html

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Also from the 2/20/07 Dispatch:

 

 

Worried about ethics of gift, Strickland cuts $31 check

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

 

Gov. Ted Strickland faced an early test of the new ethics policy he has adopted for himself, his wife and members of his administration.

 

The policy essentially prohibits gifts other than token T-shirts or meals of less than $20 from anyone other than close family members and friends who are not lobbyists or state vendors. But his wife, Frances, received a book worth $31.

 

...

 

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/20/20070220-D7-10.html