Democratic State Rep. Debbie Phillips announced legislation Friday to honor another Democrat from Ohio: the former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.
Phillips, who represents Athens at the Statehouse in Columbus, wishes to designate the recently completed Nelsonville bypass on U.S Route 33 as the "Governor Ted Strickland Highway," according to a news release from Phillips' office.
“I’m very pleased to sponsor legislation that recognizes the life and service of former Governor Ted Strickland, a true champion of the people,” Phillips said in the release. “As a man from Appalachia with humble beginnings, Governor Strickland recognized the importance of helping the least among us. As our Governor, he worked tirelessly to protect Ohio families, create jobs and improve our education system.”
The release states that the bypass, opened earlier this fall, "corrected a dangerous bottleneck in the southeast portion of the state while allowing for traffic from various commercial and manufacturing centers easy access to central Ohio. Gov. Strickland helped make this project possible."
Phillips is in the process of obtaining co-sponsors for this legislation and expects it to receive a bill number within the month.
To Strickland, Phillips said Friday: "I know I speak for all southeastern Ohioans when I say, ‘thank you!’ "
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