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CADIZ -- The campaign trail took Gov. Mike DeWine to Cadiz Tuesday, where Harrison County officials presented him with a $30,000 check to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.
With just about a week left until the election, DeWine is making rounds across the state visiting with local officials and residents.
The Republican incumbent faces a challenge from former Dayton mayor Nan Whaley, a Democrat. DeWIne said he made seven stops Tuesday, including one in Cadiz where he and first lady Fran DeWine met with a number of local officials at Timi's Cafe.
More than a dozen local officials including state Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo Junction, Harrison County Commissioner Paul Coffland, Commissioner Amy Norris, Prosecutor Lauren Knight, Department of Job and Family Services Director Deb Knight, Auditor Allison M. Anderson, Cadiz Mayor John Migliore, Cadiz Village Administrator Brandon Ludwig and more were there to greet him at the informal event.
DeWine made his way around the room greeting both officials and patrons of the restaurant, making time to chat, shake hands and take photos with everyone.
"I wanted to stop here to check, frankly, on how things are coming in regard to the jail -- I know that's been an issue here and we were able to get them some money, so I wanted to talk with commissioners about that. Really this is just about what I do a lot and it's just to go out and meet with county officials, listen, meet with the mayor, meet with officials in the community and really find out what's going on, what they need, what we can do to be of help," he said.
In response to a question posed about what concerns he has heard from residents, DeWine said inflation is a "huge problem" and jobs.
"We're moving in Ohio. We're moving forward, we're creating jobs at a very fast rate but a big challenge is to make sure every Ohioan has the ability to live up to their God given ability. I've spent a lot of time going around to our high school career centers -- they're doing a phenomenal job and working much closer than they ever have with local businesses. The goal should be that when you graduate from high school, you're on some kind of path to college or it might be a pathway into the trades, apprenticeship, all kinds of different things," he said, adding that he believes that's a goal that is shared by residents in the community.
"They want their kids to stay here, they want their kids to have jobs. They want their kids to have the skills they need to be able to get those jobs and hold those jobs. It's kind of universal, frankly, whether you're in Cadiz, Rocky River where I was this morning or Marietta where I'm going to be tonight. Families have that same concern."
DeWine said that most people want to continue living where they grew up, so long as there are jobs to sustain them.
"So what we have to do is to continue to create jobs in the state. ... We're located in the heart of everything, so we have a lot of things going for us. But what we have to do is create an emphasis on education, early childhood education, prenatal care, postnatal care home visit programs for moms who are having difficulties. We're expanding all those in Ohio," he said.
DeWine also briefly spoke about being pro life.
"I think the essential function of government is to protect the most vulnerable, and certainly the most vulnerable that includes babies who have not yet been born. ... We also have to recognize that we are a state that has a referendum so voters can go and overturn something that the legislature passes, so I want the legislature to pass something that is consistent with the fact that it can't be overturned. I want something sustainable that will last if the legislature doesn't," he said, adding that the legislature should be clear.
During the visit, Commissioners Paul Coffland and Amy Norris and Puskarich Public Library Director Sandi Thompson presented the DeWines with a check for $30,000. Coffland said the commitment will help support the Dolly Parton program in the county for the next three years.
"We're 15th in the state for participation rate, and we're happy to make another commitment to see that program for the next three years. ... We did the initial investment about three years ago because we saw the value in the program, and the opportunity to present something to the governor and first lady Fran DeWine today is a no brainer. ... It makes a difference, and it will make a difference for years to come," he said, adding that the idea to present the DeWines with the check was Thompson's.
Thompson said the Imagination Library is a key resource in helping prepare preschoolers for their school career. As of November, Harrison County's enrollment rate is 57%, one of the highest percentages in the area.