On Monday, August 21, 2006, OARC hosted a Meet the Candidates Forum with both Ohio candidates for governor.

Below are videos from the event. Each clip starts with the response from Congressman Strickland, followed by Secretary Blackwell's response to the same question.

  • Opening Remarks by Anthony Lowe, President of OARC, President of TMACOG

    • Question 1. LAND USE

    Land Use and development patterns have a significant impact on costs, functionality and lifespan of infrastructure investments. What policies and programs would your administration put in place to 1) coordinate those investments, 2) maximize their impact and lifespan and 3) minimize the cost to taxpayers? What role, if any, do you see for regional councils.

  • Reponses to Question 1

    • Question 2. TRANSPORTATION

    A ) In the simplest terms, transportation is about moving people and goods. Globally, we are moving toward a distribution economy. At the same time Ohio's population is aging creating mobility challenges for people. How would you transition Ohio's transportation network to address the changing mobility needs of both people and goods?
    B) Historically because of its constitutionally defined role and funding, ODOT has addressed transportation problems with a primary focus on highways. In your administration, how can ODOT be enabled to seek more comprehensive solutions that include transit, freight and other modes of transportation?

  • Responses to Question 2

    • Question 3. AIR QUALITY

    Every Metro area in Ohio has faced the challenge of non-attainment. What is your vision for meeting more challenging federal air quality standards? How would your administration coordinate with regions to reach attainment goals?

  • Responses to Question 3

    • Question 4. WATER QUALITY

    Clean water for drinking, industry, agriculture and recreation is essential to Ohio. Historically, the state of Ohio and regional agencies have been partners in these planning endeavors. Regional agencies work with local water and wastewater treatment providers to protect water resources, provide adequate levels of service, and to plan for growth and development. At the same time, state funding for regional water quality planning has been zeroed out in the state budget by the Governor's office since 2001. What would you do to ensure that regional agencies get the funding they need to carry out their responsibilities, especially since those responsibilities are a function of state designation?

  • Responses to Question 4

    • After the questions offered by OARC, the candidates responded to questions submitted by the audience.

  • Responses to final questions and closing remarks.

The entire event (including Panel discussion) is available on DVD. Please email a request for the DVD to Amy Lowe