Kruse opens Senate bid

BY PAMELA GLASON THORNTON
CITY EDITOR
Union County Post

Thomas Kruse, the outgoing mayor of Marysville, Ohio, knows what it is to be a representative of the people.
Last week, he announced his next move – candidacy for the Ohio Senate’s 26th District. He plans to focus on what he knows – the needs of people in small towns and rural areas. During a three-term tenure as mayor, Kruse has represented the residents of Marysville, the county seat of Union County that includes outlying rural areas. Therefore, he is familiar with the needs of this segment of the population. He implemented improvements designed to benefit the city’s population – from social services to water and sewer improvements and focused business development.
“ Kruse knows that the local cities and towns need support and hope from the government,” said Ohio Senate Democratic Leader, Teresa Fedor (DToledo). Residents of areas northward from Union County to Logan, Marion, Wyandotte, Crawford, Seneca, Sandusky and Ottowa counties are included in the 26th District.
A veteran public servant, Kruse noted that as Senator he plans to gain attention for “the little people” from the legislative body. “As a small town mayor, I know that the legislature has neglected small town Ohio. There comes a point where we need help from state government. I don’t think our present legislators have been responsive. We need more attention.
That’s what I plan to give this district once elected,” stressed Kruse.
In 2006, Marysville was named as a “Best Hometown” by Ohio magazine. Recognizing that he has been tasked to represent all of the state, Kruse asserted, “To make Ohio one of the best states in the nation. I think that’s progressive.”
Kruse, who has a history of working hands-on to meet the needs of the people, is aware of what goes on within the larger population – wages that do not meet expenses, foreclosures and employment challenges. Advancing the quality of life for people within an area is a priority for him. “There is a great deal of satisfaction to improving the quality of life and improving a community environment,” said Kruse.
“ I will focus my campaign and service in the Ohio Senate on the issues that matter most to the people of the 26th District – economic development, job creation/retention, and education.”
“ These things and preparing our young people to get the jobs of the future and growth all go hand in hand,” stressed Fedor as she looked forward to the coming year and the campaign trail.
Aformer classroom teacher, Fedor stressed the importance of knowledge. She noted that preparing for the future includes educating Ohio’s students about meeting financial obligations after graduation. “We must make sure the young people are able to survive beyond college debt. As they get older, they need to be able to maintain their lifestyle,” said Fedor. The legislature is allotted $52 billion for all of its investments every year. Fedor suggests that when distributing monies there should be no division of party lines when assigning who gets funds from the legislative body. “It is critical that we work for everybody. Aone-party rule eventually hurts the whole,” said Fedor.
“ I love serving the public. I love and care about people. I know people can make a difference.” “I like to be with people and to help people,” said Kruse.
Ideally, the activities of elected governmental officials should benefit the people they are elected to serve. Kruse said that he found Senator Fedor to be a very enthusiastic individual and also thinks that Governor Ted Strickland is going to be good for the state. “Ohioans need to ask themselves are we better off today, than we were 16 years ago (when Republicans dominated the legislature). Citing failed public schools based on property taxes
and massive levies, Fedor stated, “The right thing would be shared responsibility, shared sacrifice and shared benefit at the end.” Fedor also noted that the Democratic Caucus plans to “do everything that is right.”
“ Kruse knows what’s important and truly wants to make a difference. He is doing the right thing,” said Fedor. Apublic service career that includes being mayor and city councilman has garnered important relationships and numerous accomplishments within the community and business arenas for Kruse.
“ I’ve worked with the legislature, testified in committee hearings, taken our (city) budgets through the committee hearings and done various things on the state level,” admitted Kruse.
“ The Ohio Senate needs a leader like Tom Kruse who understands how the State can support local government and better meet the needs of citizens in small towns, cities, and rural areas,” Fedor said.
The announcement was made at Marysville City Hall with Kruse’s family and Fedor present. Speaking based on her associate’s experience, Fedor stated, “Kruse sees the need for there to be someone who has his background as a Senator. I am very enthusiastic that he stepped up to be a candidate.”
The decision by Kruse to become a state politician is the result of several meetings with Fedor and is based on support from his extended family. “My wife, MaryAnne, pushed me
over the edge,” admitted Kruse, who added, “My wife said, ‘It’s a good opportunity to do something good.’”
“ I am thrilled to have such a strong candidate with a great track record of service running to represent this district,” said Fedor.
“ As senate leader, I’ve put together the infrastructure necessary to position us for success in November. We have a new era of change. People are ready for a change,” she added.
“ Change is coming to the Ohio Senate and it will focus on the small towns and rural areas that are forgotten and ignored by the State legislature,” said Kruse.
Preparing for the coming months, the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus has made county organizations aware of their new candidate’s campaign and has started circulating petitions in the eight counties within the 26th District. While campaigning, Kruse will go meet voters in each area. He is preparing to fill the seat currently occupied by Sen. Larry Mumper (RMarion) who cannot seek another term because of term limits. “I’m going to approach it like I do everything else, full boar,” said Kruse.