On numerous occasions during the past five years I have heard that southern Ohio does not exist, Columbus or Washington does not care about us or the state ends at Chillicothe.

I wasn’t really familiar or in tune with these comments until after becoming mayor.

Five years later, I have personally witnessed or at least felt like these comments were true, at times.

I don’t always agree with the decisions that are made at the state and federal level but I do know that if we continue this negative way of thinking, we definitely will be forgotten.

That is why I believe it is imperative that representatives from our city and county lobby our state and federal legislators on a regular basis.

I have found that frequent face-to-face meetings with our state and federal representatives have shown positive results.

We have been able to secure state and federal funding for needed projects and continue a good working relationship with hopes of continued funding in the future.

Both, Representatives Terry Johnson and Bill Johnson have an enormous task but yet they take my calls, show genuine concern and encourage the visits to discuss our concerns and issues.

That is greatly appreciated.

Our city, our state and our country continue to face tough economic times and this is all the more reason to keep in close contact with them.

As we enter into 2013, I remain optimistic that we can overcome many of these challenges but it will take time, face-to-face meetings, hard work, persistence and faith.

 

Rich Blankenship is the mayor of Ironton, in his second term.