Published: August 27, 2008 08:13 pm            

A bold stand — 08/28/08

Ohio governor opposes ballot issue backed by labor unions

Give Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, credit for fearlessly stepping on the toes of some of his party’s most loyal supporters by opposing an Ohio ballot amendment being promoted by organized labor.

Issue 4 on Ohio’s November ballot would require companies with 25 or more employees to give full-time workers a minimum of seven paid sick days each year. But instead of seeing the union-backed amendment as a way to advance the rights of workers, Strickland sees it as an obstacle to attracting new jobs to a state that already is experiencing its highest unemployment rate in 15 years.

Strickland tried to reach a compromise between labor and business organizations on the sick days amendment but could not do so. So, last week Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher came out strongly against Issue 4.

In a strong union state like Ohio, it is politically risky for a Democrat to oppose organized labor. But Strickland was willing to risk his own political future to stand squarely against a proposal he believes would be detrimental to the state’s economy.

Perhaps that is why Strickland’s job performance rating remains high despite a sagging state economy. Voters want elected leaders with the independence to do what they believe is best, instead of always walking the party line. Whether one agrees with him or not on this particular issue, you have to admire Ted Strickland’s political courage to take a stand opposite that of his party.

        

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