admin February 23rd, 2008

By Kevin Risner

State Senate candidate Karen Gillmor was the guest of honor at a Business After Hours event at Heidelberg College Thursday. The event was co-hosted by Junior Achievement and the Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Gillmor spoke about the experiences of her sons in Junior Achievement. She said two of her sons are preparing with excitement to attend Biz Town this year. Biz Town offers youths the opportunity to experience adult life and learn about management and other important skills.

“I really support Junior Achievement,” Gillmor said. “It has expanded my kids’ horizons.”

Gillmor reminded guests of her current efforts to return to the state Senate. Gillmor is to appear on the March 4 primary ballot.

“I think it would be wonderful to go back to the state senate and try to help it operate like it did in the golden age of the Senate, which was when my husband (Paul Gillmor) was Senate president,” Gillmor said. “I think term limits has really hurt our state legislature in both the House and the Senate. When people are there only eight years they don’t have the dedication and loyalty to the institution I think Ohio needs.”

Gillmor said Ohio is fifth highest in aggregate tax burden in the country and 46th in attractiveness to new business.

“This is not good news for any of us,” Gillmor said. “Especially knowing that Michigan is 29th in attractiveness to new business.”

State Republican leaders already have spoken to Gillmor about serving on the health committee next year, Gillmor said.

She said she would like to ask for the chairmanship of insurance commerce and labor, a position she held during her first Senate service.

“We have a lot of good things to get done on that committee,” Gillmor said. “It’s a pretty hectic committee, and I liked it a lot. We got a lot of things done for the 11.5 million people in Ohio.”

• Paul Gillmor , Recent News