Source:  Middletown Journal,  Editorial,  Wednesday, October 01, 2008;   Find this article at:
http://www.pulsejournal.com/search/content/oh/story/opinions/editorial/2008/10/01/mj100108editorial_R.html

Klimek has his eye on education

Two-term state Rep. Bill Coley, R-West Chester Twp., easily won re-election in 2006 because he was unopposed in the November election. However, two years later, Coley, an attorney who represents the Ohio House's 55th District, is facing a formidable challenge in Tony Klimek, a Democrat from West Chester Twp.

Klimek, who works as an engineer, is intelligent, knowledgeable and articulate — in sharp contrast to the caliber of Democrats we usually see running in Butler County.

In large measure, this contest is a microcosm of the national presidential election, with a smart Democrat campaigning on the need for change and an experienced Republican representing the status quo. If you like the way state government is being run in Ohio, Coley is probably your man.

But if you believe that change is needed, especially in respect to education, Klimek may appeal to you.

They share similar views on a few topics (opposition to Ohio's payday lending legislation, the state's gun law), but it is with education that we believe Klimek distinguishes himself from Coley.

Klimek urges changes on both the quality of education occurring in Ohio schools ("Too few students graduate") and how they are funded, pointing to the "divisive" tax levy campaigns that occur frequently in local communities. "We need to look at better ways to fund our schools," he said.

Coley, on the other hand, is a defender of the status quo, and insists the state must lower taxes in order to revitalize and reform Ohio's economy. He points out that most taxpayers — aside from the years they spent in school and the years their children spend in schools — aren't that interested in school funding.

Klimek's response, however, shows that he sees the big picture: "When I'm old, I want an educated work force ... It's cheaper to educate (young people) than to incarcerate them." With about 50,000 inmates in Ohio's prison system, costing taxpayers about $25,000 a year each, we have to agree.

On the subject of illegal immigration, Coley says he agrees with the efforts of the Butler County Sheriff's Office, while Klimek says those efforts have been "stunts for publicity" and insists more must be done on the federal level.

Both men are smart, well-educated and rational candidates and voters in the 55th District are fortunate to have two worthy choices in the Nov. 4 election.

But only one can win. We find that Klimek's stance on education and fixing school financing give him an edge over the incumbent, Coley. The Journal endorses Tony Klimek for election to the Ohio House's 55th District seat.