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Winds of Change at the Statehouse

Strickland & Dann Assume Key Posts for Dealers -  Harris & Husted Continue to Lead Legislature

One Constant Remains: Legislator Interaction & DIG Participation Key to Dealer Success

Term limits and the November election have helped usher in a new era of leadership at the Statehouse in Columbus .  Democrat Ted Strickland moved into the Governor’s Mansion on January 8, 2007, and is now charged with shaping public policy in Ohio .  Initial items on his agenda will include his first Transportation and state operating budgets, both scheduled to be introduced in the next couple of months and both extremely important to dealers.  In addition, he continues to fill the remainder of his cabinet, which will help craft his agenda.  OADA looks forward to working with Governor Strickland and his staff, especially those overseeing agencies that have an impact on dealership operations, like the Ohio Departments of Public Safety (includes BMV), Taxation, Commerce, Insurance, EPA, and a host of others.

As Ohio ’s new Attorney General, Democrat Marc Dann now leads an office that we interact with on a daily basis.  Like his predecessors before him, Attorney General Dann will oversee consumer protection in Ohio , including regulation relating to motor vehicle sales, service and advertising.  We enjoyed a strong working relationship with Attorney General Dann while he was in the state senate, and we look forward to continuing that relationship during his time as AG.

While the Governor and the AG will have their agendas, it is important to note that the Ohio legislature will be at the table when public policy is finalized.  Speaker Jon Husted (R-Kettering) will continue to lead the Ohio House of Representatives, albeit by a smaller margin.  The Ohio House now includes 31 new members, some of whom previously served in the legislature years ago.  In the Ohio Senate, President Bill Harris (R-Ashland) will continue to lead a strong majority.  Legislators and contact information may be obtained by clicking here.

How can you help us help you at the Statehouse?  (1) Maintain/develop relationships with your legislators by inviting them to visit your dealership and introducing them to your employees and; (2) support the Dealers Investment Group (DIG), which remains the key tool available to us to promote and protect your dealership interests.  

Dealers may contact Joe Cannon at OADA at (800) 686-9100 or via e-mail jcannon@oada.com with any questions.