Senator Jason Wilson accepts appointment for governor's Office of Appalachia

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • November 20, 2011
  • 332
                        
Summary: Bistro 131 at New Philadelphia played host to the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce’s legislative luncheon with Governor John Kasich announcing the appointment of Senator Jason Wilson to the governor’s Office of Appalachia. The Twin City Chamber of Commerce and the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau co-sponsored the Nov. 18 event. The Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce held a legislative luncheon on Friday, Nov. 18 with Senator Jason Wilson and Governor John Kasich in attendance. The Twin City Chamber of Commerce and the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau co-sponsored the event. Gov. Kasich announced his appointment of Senator Wilson to the governor’s Office of Appalachia. Senator Wilson currently represents Ohio’s 30th Senate District encompassing Columbiana, Belmont, Jefferson, Harrison and part of Tuscarawas counties. He joined the Ohio Senate in 2006 and serves as Assistant Minority Whip. He will resign his position as Senator and begin his appointment next week. The Governor’s Office of Appalachia was created by the Ohio Legislature to serve as an advocate for the Appalachian Ohio region that consists of 32 counties. The Office partners with organizations, agencies, and individuals to foster positive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens living in the region. “Jason is everything you really want in a political leader and a business leader. He learned a lot of this from his father. I like the fact he’s got the business background. He’s a good guy and has common sense. This business that Republicans can’t get along with Democrats is bogus. There are some Republicans that aren’t happy about this but when you have a good person you can work with, you work with them,” said Gov. Kasich. “The thing I like about Jason is he is going to have a wider portfolio and I want him to be out all over the region. He’s going to be a good spokesman and a good investigator to determine what our needs are. We’ll form a really good partnership to address issues.” “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Ohio and now as the director of the governor’s Office of Appalachia I am proud to take on that responsibility and shoulder 32 counties. On behalf of the people of Appalachia, thank you for giving us a voice, a voice I will communicate with the governor. I will stand up for our area, a part of Ohio that I call, the forgotten Ohio,” said Senator Wilson. Both Gov. Kasich and Senator Wilson used the luncheon as a platform to discuss the possible economic growth expected with the development of the Utica shale deposits in eastern Ohio. Gov. Kasich was optimistic that with limited regulation the oil and gas industry could benefit the state. “What we’ve been finding [is] places where we have folks sowing fear, and some have bigger microphones than others,” said Gov. Kasich. “The state will not pass any crazy legislation to shut it down under my watch.” Gov. Kasich urged local governments not to pass legislation that would restrict the oil and gas industry. Gov. Kasich stressed the importance of workforce training to prepare people for jobs that might be made available. “I don’t want foreigners working on these wellheads,” said Gov. Kasich. “Foreigners are people from West Virginia and Pennsylvania. We are engaged in big workforce development. The difficulties we are having right now are the companies are not being very specific about what they need.” Kasich said it is important not to get ahead of things. 100 wells will have to be drilled before it is known how abundant deposits are. So far 11 wells have been drilled in the state. Senator Wilson spoke of how the region has already benefited from the shale play. “Real estate that has been vacant for years is being purchased and renovated. The agricultural community is seeing certain opportunities. Anyone in the car business may have noticed pick-up trucks are selling more often. Sales tax is up, lodging tax is up and we’re making movies in Tuscarawas County,” said Senator Wilson. “The key to having success in a community is jobs,” said Kasich. Gov. Kasich chose to visit New Philadelphia to announce the appointment of Senator Wilson rather than simply issue a press release. “I like New Philadelphia. That’s why I came here today. I like to get out. I travel extensively around the state and I think it is important to be out,” said Gov. Kasich.


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