Since being elected to lead Ohio in 2010, there have been occasions where being critical of the decisions of Gov. John Kasich were correct.

The Governor clearly made the right decision, however, calling on the administration of Ohio’s public colleges and universities to work together to determine the proper allotment for funding needs of their campuses.

If the proposal stays the same and is passed, the 2015-2016 capital budget appropriations for Lawrence County will increase to $1,395,000 compared to $770,000 in 2013-2014 budget years.

When looking at the proposed amount for the county compared to the overall suggested budget amount, seeing an increase of $625,000 over the previous budget cycle is a step in the right direction.

These projects will benefit both the Ironton and Proctorville campuses of Ohio University Southern along with the Ironton Cultural Arts Center.

This is an important move the governor and legislature has made allowing those who best know what is needed and making their own proposal.

This is the second time the governor has used this method, as prior to 2012, each public college and university made separate requests for funding within the capital budget.

All too often in both state and federal budgets, those who are in elected office place values on projects and ultimately decide each venture’s value or importance.

It is refreshing to see the governor and state legislature take this approach and provide those who are involved on a daily basis to present and place valuations on the needs of their own campuses.