Some area residents and city officials are planning a rally in Columbus soon to let state officials know that there are voters here in southern Ohio who need attention from their lawmakers in light of recent job loss announcements.

Saturday, January 08, 2000

Some area residents and city officials are planning a rally in Columbus soon to let state officials know that there are voters here in southern Ohio who need attention from their lawmakers in light of recent job loss announcements.

Good for them. It is about time someone took a forceful step to get some attention and some help for Lawrence County. Sometimes it seems our state officials think Ohio ends at the 270 interchange.

But this effort, by itself, will not bring money and jobs to southern Ohio.

The rally is a good start, but without follow-up by the rest of the community – the effort will be worthless.

If southern Ohio wants attention from Columbus, it has to demand it. One community by itself is not going to have much affect on decision-making, but a region that bands together to talk with state lawmakers – and to remind them that there are plenty of voters here, too – just might get a little more timely attention.

Sitting around complaining about what Columbus does not give this area is not enough. Residents who want some action should get out their pens, pencils or phone books and contact those who are making the decisions.

And, then, come November, they should make sure they make their voices heard again – in the voting booth.

The rally is a positive step forward. Let’s make sure that all that good work is not accompanied by a deafening silence from the community.