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Yesterday morning I had the privilege of sitting down with Congressman Ralph Regula, the Republican who represents the 16th District. Regula is currently the second longest serving Republican in the House and the longest continuous term of anyone ever from Ohio. He was first elected in 1972 and will be wrapping up his 18th and final term this year. In October, he announced he would not be running for reelection.
In Part I of the video (just under 5 minutes), Regula reflects on his career and discusses why he decided now was the time to step aside. Specifically, he talks about funding medical facilities and working with John Seiberling to establish the CVNP.
Part II (posted tomorrow) focuses on energy and gas prices and the current situation on the House floor. Regula also discusses the Ohio political landscape and Mt. McKinley.
Thanks again to Congressman Regula for the time yesterday.
11 Responses for "Regula Reflects on Career"
A few points:
1. The talk on gas prices and drilling in Part II of the video is very interesting, so I would ask people to come back to watch that.
2. If I seem rattled in the intro, I was. We filmed that downstairs in the lobby and people kept walking through or the elevator would open and we had to start over. That was about the 10th time we did it.
3. I wish someone had told me my hair was sticking up.
4. Regula was very nice off camera. We sat around and talked for some time afterwards about various issues and his career. He is legendary for his constituent services and I see why now.
It is great that Ralph did this - he isnt running again so there was no political incentive. Looking forward to tomorrow's video on gas prices!
Ralph!!!!!!
In an on-line story at http://www.forbes.com on August 5, 2008 titled America’s Fastest-Dying Cities, it seems that in the upheaval in the mortgage market nationwide, the rust belt did not suffer the huge declines imposed on other fast growing (formerly) cities. Now for the bad news. According to Forbes, Ohio is its worst state - it has the most “dying” cities which included four of the top 10. Those four are Youngstown, Dayton, Canton and Cleveland. The cities were ranked on fleeing population, high unemployment and stagnant economies. These four cities surround Summit County, and each share an industrial background with the Akron area. Tax rates in these cities have climbed to offset the government loss of revenue resulting from the decline. In sales taxes, Cuyahoga County leads the way in our area, with a rate of 7.75%. In income tax rates, Youngstown leads our area with a 2.75% rate. Akron recently raised its rate to 2.25% for its school building project, with the additional .25% allocated to new school construction. However, Akron has decided to reduce the credits it allows in its tax calculation which will effectively increase tax rates for its citizens who work outside the city.
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When you couple rising sales and income taxes with rising real estate taxes, the burden continues on the consumers, businesses and residents.
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Lower taxes will attract jobs. Redistribution will drive jobs away.
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http://www.billconte.com/
Regula is right about NEO being a health care capital. Problem is, no one has taken the lead to market it as such or if they have it has been ineffective.
Not living in Regula's district, I had no idea he was involved in the CVNP. All I ever heard about was Sieberling's involvement, even though Regula's name was familiar and one of a well-respected Republican. He was certainly right about improving educational opportunities and standards in this country. I guess it will be up to whoever follows him into Congress. Perhaps some day this monumental dilemna will be solved, although I don't see anything on the horizon. How long has it been since the original state ruling that Ohio's method of school funding is unconstitutional?
3. Sorry man, I thought that's what you were going for.
Great job so far. That giant elephant Regula has on his shelf is a big difference between Democrats and Republicans from my experience. Republicans have real pride in their party identity. Democrats would be hesitant to have that on their shelf for fear of being too partisan. I think that kind of pride in ones party is healthy and endearing. I look forward to today's segment.
Like Anne I also had no idea he was so involved in my favorite boondoggle–CVNP
Hmm … even this happens.
I dont get it.
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