Sun Nov 08 2009
By TODD HELBERG
The area's newest state representative in Columbus says the "L" word (for lobbyists) isn't such a bad thing and has helped him become acquainted with how the Ohio Statehouse works.
Republican 74th House District Rep. Bruce Goodwin told an audience Friday at Charlie's Down Under Restaurant that the political lobbyists in Columbus are always "working for you or against you."
He was the featured speaker during the Greater Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce's initial "Food for Thought" luncheon attended by approximately 60 persons.
A long-time school administrator who lives in the Ayersville school district, Goodwin was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in November. He replaced Republican Steve Buehrer of Delta, who won a state Senate seat last fall.
Goodwin's district includes most of Defiance County (excluding Adams Township) as well as Fulton and Williams counties.
During his first few days in Columbus, Goodwin said "three-fourths" of his time was spent meeting with lobbyists. This isn't surprising statistically, suggested Goodwin, since there are 1,700 registered lobbyists in Ohio while there are generally about 400 working "and trying to influence me" at any one time.
But although the term "lobbyists" is political anathema to some and conjures up thoughts of corruption and wrongdoing for many, Goodwin rejects this definition.
"I guarantee you someone here has a lobbyist," said Goodwin. "Everyone here has someone lobbying for you or against you."
And, he's learned that lobbyists help make the system work.
"You have one side, and then another side," he explained. "They give you the pros and the cons of an issue, and then you decide. I thank the lobbyists. They really provide a valuable function. I'm really happy they are here. Lobbyists, and the role they play, really surprised me."
So did the role of money in party politics.
In meeting Republican House Speaker Jon Husted, -- a Montpelier native who heads the Republican-controlled House -- Goodwin said he learned quickly what's expected of fellow Republicans in fund-raising.
"When I got to Columbus the speaker said, 'congratulations, we're very glad to have you'," recalled Goodwin. "Then he said, 'by the way this is the amount of money we need you to raise for us.'
"All people ought to know the process, so I willingly share that with you," added Goodwin. "It shouldn't be a secret."
This is nothing new in state or federal politics, but Goodwin understood its significance quickly.
"It's all about being in the majority," he said. "Because if you're not in the majority, you're not making policy. The Democrats do it also."
On policy issues, Goodwin has already gotten his feet wet on one that had great import for northwest Ohio -- the state's $7 billion transportation bill. Although the House unanimously passed the bill, Goodwin said the debate was "contentious."
The money will help fund huge transportation projects throughout the state, including future parts of the U.S. 24 improvement project. Goodwin thanked Republican Sen. Steve Buehrer -- his predecessor in the 74th House seat -- for inserting an amendment in the bill which ensured that U.S. 24 funding was secure.
"(Initially) the bill looked like it was going a way that was not very beneficial to northwest Ohio," he said.
Specifically, Goodwin made note of Gov. Ted Strickland's initial suggestion to revisit long-term road projects because of funding concerns.
"We in northwest Ohio would have paid a price for that," noted Goodwin, who said he contacted local government officials to make their case in Columbus for U.S. 24's importance. "Because of the involvement of local people ... the state people found out how important that was."
Goodwin concluded by reminding local officials, community leaders and businessmen that "I can't help you if you don't call me. I especially want to take care of my hometown."
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