OH-16: State Senator Major John Boccieri Rises Above the Fray!

It didn't take long for "shots to get fired from all directions", after Schuring's(R) comments about Canton, Ohio. His self-described hometown to boot. I, personally, only know one person in Ohio's 16th Congressional District that has put their life on the line for the country we all love...America. His name is Major John Boccieri. Let me clear, that does not detract from every man and woman from our District who served with honor and courage, especially, those that gave all. We love you all!

Senator Boccieri immediately pointed out how devisive this type of speech has become in our toxic political enviroment.

The Politics of Division is Wrong for America

"While my opponent comments publically about his preferred constituency, I would be proud to serve in the Congress on behalf of every man, woman, and child in the 16th District regardless of geography, age, race, gender, or religious affiliation.

"Senator Schuring's partisan comments are the type of political ideology that is dividing our nation. At the end of the day the race for this seat, shouldn't be about Democrats, Republicans or Independents, red states or blue states, conservatives or liberals, but about America. Our nation needs strong leadership to help turn around our failing economy, bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon, and move away from our dependence on foreign oil.

"As for my campaign, we will have rallies, town hall meetings, and events in every corner of this district, not only where it is politically comfortable, but in every region. It is important that we all come together to help change America."

According to a recent Canton Repository article, Schuring claims it was all just "a joke"(wink-wink-nudge) and you can listen to him try to explain it away in a WHBC Radio PodCast here. This writer happens to respect the opinions of Canton Councilman Thomas West, D-2, who represents downtown Canton:

"The remarks by Senator Schuring were very offensive, if not demeaning. These aren't the type of jokes you make about our community especially at a time when there is violence in our community."

Councilman West knows downtown Canton, he admits there is violence, but he also says Downtown is safe. All one needs to do is physically visit Arcadia Place on a Friday night in the Summer and it's obviously safe. See a street musician, get a fresh slice of pizza, or stop by Primo's for a drink; you'll make it out alive!

Call me crazy, but you are not going to pick up votes for the 16th Congressional District at "the Canal Boat Captains' Ball at the Radisson Hotel in Akron Saturday evening." Honest...I don't make this stuff up! It was in the Akron Beacon Journal. What kind of message does that send? I'll go to downtown Akron(out of the District), but if you go to downtown Canton..."Democrats aren't too fond of Republicans in Canton." Gosh, Kirk! I wonder why? Then again, Stark County did give Mr. Bush a "free-pass" in 2004. How lucky do you feel in 2008?

Seriously, Kyle Kutuchief at politics.ohio.com gives us a "through the looking glass" opinion on this situation as the fires burn on:

"Schuring, though he has not served in the military or as a law enforcement officer, I guess deserves credit for braving gun fire as he goes to his Congressional Campaign office, which is located in downtown Canton.

Part of what a Congressman should do is to serve as an advocate for the people in his district. Ohio's 16th Congressional District is going to need someone to help develop the economy of the district. Canton is a city that has been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs, the housing foreclosure crisis, and a variety of other factors. The people of Canton need elected officials who will work to turn things around and not kick them when they are down. This is more than just a bad joke at a picnic. Scaring citizens from going to Canton is the exact opposite of the kind of advocacy the city needs to get things back on track."

So, as of today, Major Boccieri raised himself above the fray. The Canton Repository asked him, again, for an editorial piece about Schuring's comments. (This stuff sells a lot of newspaper, obviously.) State Senator Major John Boccieri simply stated it was, "most unfortunate."

As I sat perusing today's online edition of The Review, an Alliance newspaper, I stumbled upon an article that represents one of the real issues facing our districts voters in the years to come.

"Marlington school board tours schools and assesses conditions"
No man, woman or high school shop student should be expected to run machinery with missing safety guards! Marlington schools are under-funded by a State system that has been ruled unconstitutional four times and Sen. Schuring has been promising School Funding Reform for 14 years. This is where Senator Boccieri stands on Education:

A Sound Education for Our Children

A well-rounded education is the key that unlocks the doors of economic opportunity and security.

John will work to ensure every child in Ohio gets a fair start and a solid educational foundation, beginning with our youngest children and extending through K-12 and college. He will make sure that our students have the most qualified, well-trained teachers and the preparation to pursue higher education. And he will work to provide all Ohioans with the means to afford higher education, regardless of income or family history.

In order to bring jobs to Ohio, we must have a skilled workforce that is competitive with the rest of the country and world. John knows that as jobs adjust and advance, our workers – both young and old – must be ready for the changes. John strongly supports training and development programs for our adult workforce, so that as the economy continues to evolve, our workers have the resources to keep up.

It's time for change, not empty promises.