For the most part, those of us who work at the Statehouse have good relationships, although we disagree on many issues. Ohioans and Americans, in general, are frustrated watching the polarization of office holders and the stalemate that often follows.

One unfortunate stalemate is the lack of an agreement on a single primary election for this year, rather than two separate ones. Speaker Batchelder is continuing to try and find a way to hold a single primary, but a deal has not been struck yet.

Since many have been focused on the recent disagreement, I wanted to take the opportunity to point out a few examples of debate on both sides of the aisle that have led to good public policy being put in place.

A bill was recently considered on the House floor that prohibits using tax dollars to fund campaigns. This bill came as a result of a government entity in northwest Ohio spending $65,000 of public money to promote a levy.

A Democrat House member was concerned that this bill could prohibit legitimate advocacy, such as a mayor advocating, as part of his job, for a street levy.

The sponsor of the bill listened, and the amendment was offered to address his concerns. The bill passed overwhelmingly.

Another example is the House Clerk, which is responsible for keeping the record of all that the House does and ensuring the procedural rules are followed.  Laura Clemens, who is nationally known for her work as a clerk, is leaving the House of Representatives to pursue another job. She is a Republican who has worked under both Democrat and Republican speakers.

Tom Sherman, who is a Democrat, has been appointed by the Republican Speaker as interim clerk. This is one more example of Republicans and Democrats working together to get the best results.   There is not always going to be agreement—nor should there be—but everyone should be heard and be part of the debate.

One of my best friends during my time in the legislature is a former state senator and representative named Dale Miller. When Dale first came to the legislature, I did not exactly understand his stance on certain issues, and we clashed for a few years. To put it simply, he is a liberal’s liberal, and I am not.

However, we worked well together—he was the ranking member on the finance committee, and I was chairman.

We learned to disagree agreeably, and we were honest and found ways to collaborate with one another.  There were many that things I knew he would never support and vice versa.

However, we had great respect for each other. Senator Miller was sincere and cared passionately about Cleveland.  We both wanted to do good for the people of Ohio. We just had different visions on how to get there.

Regardless, I advocated and defended Dale on more than one occasion, and he stood up for me.

So when you hear all the bad news about stalemate, remember that there is always some good going on behind the scenes.

It’s my hope that those who are newer to the Statehouse find friends like I did with Dale Miller.  Getting to know him made me a better person and a better legislator.

 

John Carey serves in Ohio’s 87th District of the House of Representatives, which includes eastern Lawrence County. He can be reached at (614) 466-1366, by writing to: Ohio House of Representatives, 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215, or via e-mail at District87@ohr.state.oh.us.