As we mark the passing of a great defender of women's rights, Ann Richards, former governor of Texas, we need to pause and consider that strong, forthright women are needed now more than ever to bring about the needed changes in our state. Right now, there are only 20 women out of 99 members in our state legislature. That's not enough to have our voices heard. We need women who will stand up for the issues important to this region ' affordable health care; access to better health screenings for children; equal education and access to all-day kindergarten for all our children; jobs for men and women that pay living wages; and protection of all citizens from environmental degradation. These are not just women's issues, but the men in our current Ohio legislature are not solving the problems our region faces, nor are they looking to the future with an exciting vision.
Now is the time to take back control of this corrupt legislature and set an agenda which assures the well-being of all Ohio citizens. We finally must fix the school funding inequities and create sustainable jobs. Fortunately for us in southern Ohio, we have a candidate in Democrat Debbie Phillips who has a solid track record of working for education. She is one of the most knowledgeable people in the state about school funding. She has demonstrated her ability to work collaboratively in a non partisan fashion through the founding of the Ohio Fair Schools Coalition. She is not afraid to stand up for our children.
Listen to Debbie at candidates' forums and read her interviews. She has thought through the issues and has well-reasoned ideas and plans for building a better future in Ohio. Debbie does her homework and thoroughly researches the issues. She will be a strong advocate for all the citizens of southern Ohio, particularly women, children and the elderly. Debbie Phillips will be a powerful voice for us. It's time for a change!Mary Anne Flournoy is a professor in the Department of International Studies.
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Letter to the Editor
