Former Cincinnati mayor John Cranley and his running mate, Sen. Teresa Fedor (D. Toledo), deserve the nomination of Democratic voters in the governor’s race.
Winning over independent voters and dissatisfied Republicans remains key to Democrats seeking statewide office. Mr. Cranley is the better candidate to win over those voters by far. He can compete with the incumbent governor and connect with voters beyond the Democratic left.
Mr. Cranley recognized the importance and potential of Toledo when he nominated Ms. Fedor as his lieutenant governor. Mr. Cranley believes in the middle class and helped pilot a revival of the middle class in Cincinnati.
While The Blade rarely makes primary endorsements, the situation this year requires a choice. The governor’s race is critical to Ohio’s future, and it must be competitive.
As mayor of Cincinnati, Mr. Cranley exhibited the managerial talent needed of a state chief executive. Cincinnati’s mayor holds a great deal more authority than in most cities which employ a city manager. Although Cincinnati does have a city manager, that role is more limited than in most cities. Dayton maintains a traditional city manager form of government, which limits the authority of the mayor.
Under Mr. Cranley’s leadership, Cincinnati grew in population for the first time in decades. It’s making economic progress.
He’s balanced the need for police reform while understanding the protections average citizens expect from the police. The many endorsements he’s received include those of the Toledo and Dayton firefighters unions. Mr. Cranley restored funds cut in previous budgets for fire department staffing.
Mr. Cranley, like The Blade editorial board, supports reform of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. The scandal surrounding House Bill 6 proved once again the need for reform if not a complete overhaul for PUCO. Mr. Cranley plans to clean house and fire the incumbent commissioners. Gov. Mike DeWine’s inaction on PUCO can and should be a major issue in the fall campaign.
Mr. Cranley has the experience as an executive and the know how to grow jobs in Ohio.
The Blade endorses the Cranley–Fedor ticket as the best choice for Toledo and Ohio.
First Published April 22, 2022, 4:00 a.m.
