State Rep. Mark Romanchuk and Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson updated audience members at the Ontario Public Library on state and local issues on Monday evening. They also answered questions from the audience.
Romanchuk provided updates on state issues that he has faced in his term as state representative. “When the governor took over there was $0.89 in the state savings account and now there is $1.5 billion. So, that gives you an idea of the time that the governor has been in office what a quick turnaround there has been in the state. We are moving and we are trending in the right direction,” Romanchuk said.
According to Romanchuk, taxes are being cut. Romanchuk explained that income taxes have been cut 10 percent and another cut is expected within the next couple of months. “We are cutting income taxes in favor of moving more towards consumption taxes,” said Romanchuk.
Romanchuk explained that the state is trying to get workforce aligned with the needs of businesses.
“What we have seen is that there are a lot of jobs going unfilled because people don’t have the recommendations for the jobs. We started down the road where we were telling our kids they had to go to college to be successful and what has happened is we do not have anyone left in trades. A lot of these trade type careers are going unfilled and that is a big problem. We can’t grow the state unless we get people back in the workforce and in order for that to happen they must have the right skills,” said Romanchuk.
Mayor Hutchinson was elected to office in November. Hutchinson said that one of his main goals when he became mayor was to bring jobs into Ontario. Hutchinson added that he has been working with the Richland County Development Group (RCDG) and Ontario Growth Corporation. “I have been working with Mark Weidemyre and we are working on some new companies coming in,” said Hutchinson.
Hutchison further noted that there are several new businesses coming into Ontario. “We have retail, one restaurant, and a couple other businesses that are expanding. We are working hand in hand, especially myself and Mark Weidemyre.
“Owners of the GM property are trying to get something to come in up there. Unfortunately, Sunfest Foods sold out so I don’t think they are coming in now. However, they could change their minds,” said Hutchinson.
Hutchinson noted the progress of Buckeye Village housing near The Ohio State University-Mansfield and shared that a new motel will be coming to town. “We will see a lot of growth here in Ontario in the next two to four years,” said Hutchinson.
Audience members asked Hutchison and Romanchuk questions on a wide range of topics, including providing training for jobs. “Colleges are working with the local companies to focus on the needs of the area,” said Hutchinson.
“The issue is not the training programs, but we need to get kids interested in those fields. People don’t realize manufacturing has changed and it is much different than it was 20-30 years ago. We also have to get the parents interested in these careers,” said Romanchuk.
Questions concerning guns and gun control were addressed by audience members to Romanchuck regarding House Bill 203. Romanchuk explained that there is no such term as “Stand Your Ground” in Ohio. Romanchuk shared that the bill helped strengthen background checks in purchasing guns.
“I am not a gun owner, but I do respect the rights of people to own a firearm,” said Romanchuk.
The concern of drug use came up during discussion between audience members, Hutchinson, and Romanchuk. Romanchuk shared that on average there are five people dying every day in Ohio due to accidental drug overdoses.
“It has overtaken traffic deaths. About 80 percent of heroin users have started out on prescription drugs. It is a big problem,” said Romanchuck.
Preventing human trafficking is another statewide issue that Romanchuk addressed. “There is a statewide campaign to educate people to see what the signs are in human trafficking. State Highway Patrol are involved in training to check for signs. We are trying to knock it down because it is a problem in Ohio,” said Romanchuk.
Hutchinson touched base on the current wintery conditions that Ontario has been facing. “Our crews have been out heavy this year working on the roads and they have done a nice job with taking care of everything,” said Hutchinson.
“The issue is not the training programs, but we need to get kids interested in those fields. People don’t realize manufacturing has changed and it is much different than it was 20-30 years ago. We also have to get the parents interested in these careers,” said State Rep. Romanchuk.
