Wind energy = needed revenue

Let’s face it, Van Wert County like most rural communities in the United States, is no stranger to the opioid epidemic. Mental health, school safety, and workforce development are also at the forefront of small communities across the nation. In a time where Van Wert is losing population and our median age is climbing, what […]

Profit: Airport upkeep a priority

Van Wert County can no longer continue to lose potential business due to inadequate airport facilities. My campaign slogan is “Work Together — Grow Together.” We must work together as county and city to ensure the Van Wert County Airport provides a warm welcome to all air travelers, especially corporate air traffic. Our current airport […]

Another year of gov. expansion

We learned a lot in 2017. We learned that it isn’t just the media that is in cahoots with the Democrats, it is also the upper echelons of the intelligence agencies. We learned that a special prosecutor can be appointed without an actual crime being alleged. And we learned that freedom of speech for conservatives […]

Developing future YM generations

In 1914, the YMCA in Van Wert was founded for the benefit of young Christian men in the city and began a rich tradition of service to this community. That tradition continues more than 100 years later as the YMCA looks to the future and the needs of new generations of local families. I am […]

Bill to keep Ohio business-friendly

Editor’s note: This is the last of three columns on economic development by Ohio Representative Craig Riedel. With 27 years of experience in business combined with what I have already learned in my time as your state representative, I know just how important it is to have strong employers and capable workers. Not only does […]

Workforce develop. top priority

Editor’s note: This is the second of three columns on economic development by Ohio Representative Craig Riedel. In my last column, I discussed the importance of workforce and business development in Ohio, especially in the 82nd House District. A lot of progress has been made-both through a key partnership with JobsOhio and business-friendly policies and […]

State rep. has economic column

An issue I have taken up as a top priority during my first term as your state representative is workforce and business development. The key to long-term, stable economic success in Ohio often comes down to one thing-employment. As a conservative, I believe in policies that encourage economic development and support the workforce, both through […]

Vantage: Investing in the future

I first walked through the doors of Vantage Career Center in 1977 as an incoming high school junior, eager to learn new skills and start my career. I didn’t know very much about Vantage, other than it was new to the community and offered programming that appealed to me at that time. Little did I […]

Ohio treasurer promotes program

As Treasurer of Ohio, I believe taxpayers have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. All too often, we, the people, aren’t able to follow our money once we write a check to city hall, the state capital, or Washington, D.C. I believe that when we make government small in size and […]

Prevailing wage bill gives choices

Prevailing wage is a state calculated mandated wage that is used on all local government construction jobs that exceed $250,000 in total value.  State universities, cities, counties, townships and other government entities such as libraries, museums and fairgrounds are all required to pay prevailing wage when they are using taxpayer funds. Simply stated, prevailing wage […]