OH-16: 16th District Business Leaders Back John Boccieri

If you've been around John Boccieri(D) long enough, you will have come to notice that he is a "do-er". As long I have been living in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, I have yet to see any candidate set clear policy agenda, meet with business and labor leaders, and deliver his message directly to voters with energy John brings to our district.

With that said, Boccieri's Communications Director, Bryan Collinsworth dropped this great piece of news in my in-box this week.

September 4, 2008

A wide range of business leaders from every corner of the 16th Congressional District have come together to call for change by supporting John Boccieri and his candidacy for U.S. Congress. This growing coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents is backing and advising Boccieri's campaign and will be a strong voice when he goes to Washington.

Jim Pastore, Jr., owner of Park Farms, which has operated in Canton for more than 60 years said:

"John has fought to support my small business in the state legislature. He has visited my plant, worked with Governor Strickland on the possibility of securing small business loans, and always stood out for his responsiveness and attentiveness to our needs."

Bob Shearer, C.E.O. of Shearer's Foods, another longstanding Stark County business, remarked:

"I was very impressed with John Boccieri. Not only because he serves in the military and clearly loves this country, but because he came to our facility and was very in tune with the economic progress we’re trying to make here in Stark County. I know he’ll be a strong advocate for local business in Washington."

Raymond Williams, President of Canton-based U.S. Technology Corp. said:

"I appreciate John’s sense of urgency when it comes to small business issues. He’s a legislator who takes action, and he has a record of supporting business strong enough to have earned the endorsement of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce in the state legislature.”

Tom Antonosanti, owner of ADTEK Promotions in Alliance, has worked with Boccieri during his eight years in the Ohio Statehouse. He adds:

"Since I've come to know John, he has always asked how government can help small business. I certainly wasn't shy about telling him. Now I'm certain that he will listen to us and work with us to strengthen our local economy."

Steven DiPietro, an owner of several local business ventures including the Pizza Oven and Papa Bear's Italian Restaurant in Canton, also praised Boccieri's responsiveness and engagement.

"I have tried in vain to explain to current office holders the real world problems facing our small business and our employees. Senator John Boccieri is the only candidate to listen and understand the gravity of the situation we face. I proudly support John in his campaign for Congress."(emphasis added)

Chris Schmid of Wooster, who has been engaged in creating and leading businesses in the 16th District for 25 years, said that meetings and discussions with Boccieri convinced him that:

"John will serve the economy of our region well. He understands that economic prosperity can only be achieved if initiatives benefit all citizens."(emphasis added)

Schmid has helped start up companies like LuK USA and TekFor, Inc., and an annual award from the Wayne County Economic Development Council is named in his honor. Schmid added:

"John’s intellect, energy, and determination give me the confidence that he will work hard on critical issues and will build coalitions in Washington that bring lasting benefits to our district and our country."

Many other local business leaders publicly back Boccieri, including Phil Dechellis, owner of Napoli's Restaurant in downtown Canton, Harry Featherstone, former C.E.O. of Wil-Burt Co. in Orrville, Charlie Grove, owner of Grove TV Appliance and Audio in Alliance, and Ted Madison, a former banker. Even more are providing behind-the-scenes support for Boccieri's campaign.

Boccieri responded:

"I'm honored to have worked with so many impressive local business leaders while representing part of this district for the past eight years in Columbus. With businesspeople like these, the economic future of our area is bright. In Congress, I look forward to continuing to partner with business leaders, workers and organized labor to fight for good jobs and new opportunities for our middle class families."

These aren't just "chummy" relationships; these are strong business leaders, throughout Ohio's 16th Congressional District, that are putting all of their weight behind "our" campaign for real change.