Sunday, March 26, 2000
Public quizzes Portman on issues
BY HOWARD WILKINSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Social Security, taxes, gasoline prices, campaign finance reform — U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, got an earful about those issues and more Saturday in a series of “town hall” meetings around his district.
From the Blue Ash Municipal Center in the morning to the Mason Middle School at noon and at the Miami Township Community Park in Clermont County, the 2nd District congressman listened to dozens of constituents talk about the issues that mattered most to them.
“I want to hear what's on your mind,” said Mr. Portman, a Republican running for re-election in what is one of the most Republican districts in the country.
Turnout at Saturday's town hall meetings was relatively small — about 50 in Blue Ash, 20 in Mason and about two dozen in Miami Township — but the people who did show up were not shy with their questions and comments.
Rising gasoline prices were on the minds of some.
At Mason Middle School, Ernie Hawks, a retiree from Deerfield Township, reminded Mr. Portman of President Richard Nixon's prediction over 25 years ago that the United States would free itself of dependence on foreign oil “in our lifetimes.”
“Whatever happened to that idea?” Mr. Hawks said, as other heads in the crowd nodded in agreement. “Is the government that powerless and weak that they can't deal with the Arab countries? We saved their fannies, didn't we?”
Mr. Portman said that the United States, particularly after coming to the aid of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf War, needs to be “much tougher on the Saudis and the OPEC nations and tell them we are going to cut off their aid. But, at the same time, we have to decrease our dependence on those guys.”
In Miami Township, where Mr. Portman met with about two dozen constituents in a picnic shelter in the community park, several people said they would like to see campaign finance reform.
Mike Grace of Miami Township said he believes that the reason the federal tax code is not reformed is because there are special interests “giving money to candidates and financing campaigns so they can influence how tax laws are written.”
After one Miami Township resident said he thought politicians were “bought” by special interests under the system, Mr. Portman, who does not take political action committee money, said he disagrees “slightly.”
“I don't think the government is bought,” Mr. Portman said, “but it is rented sometimes.”
Zero G is the ride of a lifetime
Shooting shocks Franklin
Does florist's guarantee pass the smell test?
Debbie Hill is free at last
Lawmaker proposes prison nursery
Praise reform, but pass the cash
West End Center is mall for needy
About the West End Center
GOP budget turnabout not fair play
Learning tools lead to award
Who should win Oscars; who will
Academy boss takes setbacks in stride
Follow the Oscars on the Web
Many CSO firsts mark maestro's last year
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's 2000-2001 Season
Decorative arts lectures focus on treasures
From homeless to hopeful
GET TO IT
'Lord of the Dance' mostly flat without Flatley
Mysterious man's paintings emerge for extraordinary exhibit
Performers make most of 'Dead-Eye'
UC student thrilled with 'Making the Band'
Best job can be worst job
CCM music class showcases talent
Builder wants Dayton to get a bigger share
'Death Row Dogs' enrich prisoners' lives
Flat telcom tax stirs up fight
Former congressman referees on gene splicing
Fugitive found in Fla. secret room
Liberty Twp. trustees boost fire staffing
Miami event celebrates diversity
New therapy holds hope for girl, 7
Public quizzes Portman on issues
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Race fans check their luck
TRISTATE DIGEST
