Democratic Visions

In a grotesque display of political pandering, Cliff Hite used the December 7 Republican luncheon to reveal the pretense of his purpose as our State Representative, raising money. The question each voter must ask themselves is how this perversion of our democratic vision results in representing people living in Alger, Dunkirk, Findlay, Kenton, New Knoxville, Ada, Fostoria, Forest and the many towns and villages between. It does not.

On the very same page that touted Hite’s rantings, The Courier reported that Ohio leads the nation in home foreclosures. Perhaps Mr. Hite believes it is appropriate to celebrate politics and fund raising while the Republican legislature buries its collective head from the results of its leadership.

Perhaps Mr. Hite could responsibly propose a plan where funds held for investment by the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation and other Ohio state agencies – money from Ohio for Ohioans – is re-invested to support Ohio home ownership. If Ohio is to return to long term economic stability, that stability must start at the kitchen table for all Ohio citizens.

Perhaps Mr. Hite could evidence his leadership in efforts to reduce our taxes by proposing a reduction in state taxes added to each gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel. This may help families and fixed income seniors who save every penny to make ends meet to better make ends meet. It may also help family farmers, family farms and those engaged in trucking. In this way Mr. Hite could pay more attention to reducing taxes for living people rather than bantering about eliminating “the death tax.” It seems those living may appreciate the reduction more.

Through the vast reaches of his insightful leadership, perhaps Mr. Hite could team with U.S. Representative Jordan to spearhead a comprehensive plan spanning Wyandot, Hancock and Putnam Counties to control flooding of the Blanchard River. This would preserve the prospective investment of $90,000,000 in a new Findlay business sector. It might also spare the presently existing business district and those living in the flood zone from many more millions in property losses from another flood. Then again, it might be helpful if both representatives invested greater effort in pursuing funds to help people still trying to recover from the August flood and government red tape.

The fact there are so many possibilities that Mr. Hite cannot envision makes his pandering for money all the more disconcerting. Perhaps if he found a way to serve the needs of people living in the 76th District, his service alone would merit the financial reward he demands. For some, it may come down to money; for others, it matters more what can be done for people first.