Sen. Portman's generosity, Brad Wenstrup's character, and mostly good news

First, the good news.

Highland County Commission President Shane Wilkin has informed us that PAS Technologies will be having some more positive news for its Hillsboro facility this week.

Mr. Wilkin said details will be forthcoming on Wednesday afternoon.

Last October, PAS Technologies General Manager Dan Boggs was gracious enough to provide a tour of the impressive aerospace manufacturing plant off Hobart Drive to The Highland County Press.

PAS is a a world leader in the manufacturing and repair of aviation propulsion components and surface enhancement technologies.

One year ago, the local engine component plant had less than 100 employees. Last spring's announcement brought an additional 40 positions, and more jobs may soon be available at PAS. That's very good news for Highland County.

Mr. Boggs told us last fall that the average starting pay is $18.40 per hour, with excellent benefits that include medical coverage and a 401k plan. Based on a 40-hour work week, that translates to $38,272 per year – before any overtime. For comparison, the average total HOUSEHOLD income in Highland County is $39,000 a year.

When companies like PAS make significant investments in Highland County, it has a tremendous impact on the local economy.

"With 50 new jobs at an average of $18 an hour, you're looking at an annual impact of almost $2 million," Wilkin said in October. "If you take it to 170 new jobs at that rate, the impact is $6.25 million a year. This is not counting the added benefits, which translates into more local business. This is an opportunity for Highland County to be involved with a growing, global business, and it's nice that we are getting work here – as opposed to seeing it shipped elsewhere."

Once again, we are pleased to acknowledge PAS Technologies' presence in Highland County and its very positive impact on our overall economy.

* * *

Political good news

It's always a good day when Second District congressional candidate Lt. Col. Dr. Brad Wenstrup stops by The HCP on South High. I might add it's even better when he brings his lovely better half, Monica. (Like all of us within the male species, Dr. Wenstrup obviously got the better deal.)

Just before his wedding and subsequent honeymoon, Dr. Wenstrup completed a very wise (and hopefully advantageous) Second District campaign tour with none other than U.S. Senator (and former Second District Congressman) Rob Portman.

I had the opportunity to speak with both gentlemen on a Friday morning at the historic Wayside Inn in West Union. What I did not know at that time was that the district "whistle-stop" tour was Senator Portman's idea.

That says a lot about the generosity of Rob Portman. And, perhaps, it says even more about the character of Dr. Brad Wenstrup.

By no means, does this particular congressional race have a predetermined outcome. Whether the doctor's ultimate opponent is, indeed, Democratic primary victor William Smith or some other candidate (the names of Ted Strickland and Todd Book have surfaced of late), it's still a long way to the November general election.

On a personal note, and as a longtime resident of the Second District, I've been pleased to vote for Rob Portman and Brad Wenstrup. No regrets, thus far, in either case.

* * *

Good news Part III:
Congressman Turner makes
strong case for Romney

Many Ohio community media outlets received an interesting email this week from Citizens for Mike Turner spokesman Thomas Crosson.

In it, Tom forwarded a story by Jack Torry of The Dayton Daily News (www.daytondailynews.com) Washington Bureau.

Mr. Torry writes: "These days, it’s hard to miss Republican Congressman Mike Turner. Like earlier this month on the cable news channel MSNBC, when he accused President Barack Obama of 'politicizing' the anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden, charging that the president is 'claiming that somehow he’s a better John Wayne than Mitt Romney is.'"

Any reference to John Wayne usually catches my attention. In fact, moments prior to receiving Tom Crosson's email this afternoon, I'd just said to Brad Wenstrup: "I don't own a cell phone. John Wayne never owned a cell phone, either."

According to Mr. Torry, Congressman Turner is becoming a bulldog of a supporter for Mitt Romney.

"Be it through teleconference calls with reporters, written statements or broadcast interviews, Turner is the Ohio Republican called on to deliver a sharp jab at Obama and Biden," Torry writes. "It is a coveted role that allows Turner to gradually shed the veil of obscurity he has among many voters outside of his Dayton-area district."

While I commend Congressman Turner for his conservative stance on the 2012 presidential election, I can't help but think back to our conversation about Gov. Romney last year.

"I don't know him," Congressman Turner said, adding that as a Republican congressman from a crucial state like Ohio, he really should know the candidate.

Apparently, they've found common ground.

" (Mike) Turner and (Rob) Portman were among the first Ohio Republicans to endorse Romney," Torry said, "providing crucial support to the former Massachusetts governor at a time when most Republicans were not endorsing anyone because of the bitter feud between Gov. John Kasich and former Ohio Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine.

"Early endorsements are rarely forgotten by candidates. Portman has emerged as a potential vice presidential running mate for Romney while Turner’s name is being mentioned for an administration post if Romney defeats Obama in November."

Should any or all of this come to pass, it could only mean positive things for Ohio. Clearly, Romney needs the Buckeye State. He'll carry everything south of I-70, all right. It's the northern half that might keep Sen. Portman and Congressman Turner busy.

* * *

Some sad news

It cannot be lost on us that Highland County Veterans Service Commission President Richard Kisamore resigned one day after Memorial Day.

Perhaps it was only a coincidence. Perhaps it was symbolic. Perhaps not.

After serving on the commission for 20 years, Mr. Kisamore stepped aside today. As The HCP reported, the commission met in a special meeting Tuesday for a work session to develop a schedule and explanation regarding salaries. 

A letter of resignation from Mr. Kisamore, addressed to Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss, was delivered to Veterans Service Commissioners Kevin Barreras, Joe Thompson and Gary Cropper, who were in attendance at the meeting. 

Just prior to the meeting, The Highland County Press received an anonymous telephone call requesting that we attend the meeting. We did.

Upon reading Kisamore's letter, VSC member Kevin Barreras said that he was sorry to hear he was resigning, and that the matter would be addressed during their next regularly scheduled meeting, as it did not fall into the parameters of the special session. 

Mr. Kisamore wrote in his resignation that, "I am tendering my resignation from the Veterans Service Commission of Highland County effective immediately.

"I could offer many reasons for my decision, but none are necessary. I have often said that the hardest action we, as people, have to take is to admit when it is time to step down. For me, that time came at the end of my last term. Unfortunately, I allowed others to persuade me to stay another term against my own desire. In retrospect, that was a mistake," Kisamore said.

"I sincerely appreciate the faith that the Lloyd C. Ludwick Chapter 123 of the Disabled American Veterans had in recommending me to this position for the past 20 years, for the judges that appointed me, and for the service I was privileged to give my fellow veterans."

We thank Mr. Kisamore for his service to local veterans and respect his decision.

Rory Ryan is publisher of The Highland County Press.