OCTOBER 25, 2000

Fleure not willing to stand pat on schools

One of the prime issues facing Ohio legislators -- if not the most important issue -- for several years has been that of revamping funding of public schools.

The problem has not gone away, because the legislators have tried to patch an outdated and unfair system instead of developing a new, fairer method under which schools would be financed.

The response to this issue by the candidates in the 26th State Senate District tells a lot about the differences in how the two would represent Seneca and Wyandot counties for the next four years.

Sen. Larry Mumper, the incumbent Republican from Marion, wants to wait on the recommendations of a governor's committee before taking a stand on school funding.

Mary Fleure, a Democrat from Attica, has a plan. It would equalize property taxes for schools across the state at a minimal level, shift the burden to a designated income tax for schools, with money to be distributed equally for each Ohio student.

In short, Fleure would try to fix the problem instead of sidestepping it.

Besides being willing to tackle the Legislature's toughest challenge, her election would mean a surge in representation from this part of the 26th District. Fleure sees the possibility of being sent by voters to Columbus as an opportunity to serve her fellow citizens.

A vote for Fleure would be a vote for a fresh, enthusiastic representation in the Statehouse. We'd recommend it to the voters of Seneca and Wyandot counties.

Gillmor's approach reflects district's

Ohio's 5th Congressional District race has brought forth candidates with varying ideas on the scope of the federal government. Most of these ideas center around a smaller and less intrusive government.

Paul E. Gillmor has represented the 5th Congressional District since 1989 and during this time he has been accessible and responsive to citizens he represents. On national issues, his accomplishments are welfare reform and a balanced federal budget. On a local level, he secured funds for bridge over the Sandusky river in Old Fort and is attempting to fund a river wall study in Tiffin.

Paying down the national debt, tax relief, and a strong prepared military are part of Gillmor's common sense approach on the budget surplus. Gillmor is quick to point out that a budget surplus is projected for 10 years and the future is impossible to predict.

Paul Gillmor does represent the views and values of the majority in the 5th Congressional District and he deserves another two years in United States House of Representatives.