COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor John Kasich is turning to the chairman and founder of a Columbus-based retailer for ideas on how to market the state.
L Brands CEO Les Wexner agreed to come up with ways to help tell Ohio’s story, joking that he didn’t know whether Wexner would suggest a “Victoria’s Secret-type” marketing plan. L Brands, formerly known as Limited Brands, operates the lingerie retailer. Kasich made the comments Wednesday as he and legislative leaders discussed priorities for 2014, when he faces re-election.
A Democratic candidate for statewide office who has been harshly critical of the Kasich administration’s job development performance was quick to respond to the message.
Rep. John Patrick Carney (D-Columbus) claims Ohio’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average for the first time in three years and says that’s evidence the state’s private development agency, JobsOhio, is ineffective.
“Our state is falling behind. Middle class Ohioans deserve solutions that will make the economy work for them, not more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires,” Carney said.
Carney has assailed JobsOhio for questionable use of public funds and is mounting a challenge to Republican Auditor David Yost.
Kasich also said officials would launch a statewide drug prevention program early next year aimed at middle school and high school students.
He said Ohio is making progress in battling prescription drug abuse, but heroin has become an increasing problem in communities.