


Ohio Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport, addresses to a group of Fort Frye Higher University students as part of a speaker method on federal government. (Photograph by Amy Phelps)
BEVERLY — Fort Frye Higher Faculty students had a specific assembly Monday to understand far more about federal government at the point out degree when Ohio Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport, visited.
Jones, who put in 23 decades as an agriculture instructor and was an FFA adviser, has an educational history that he introduced to his new placement. He mentioned he never experienced an fascination in politics escalating up and went into the career devoid of any preconceived tips.
He spoke to the students on the basic principles of what he does and about big recent challenges.
Jones reported he and his opponent in a prior election, whom he realized and had labored with in the past, determined to operate a civil campaign.
“It doesn’t have to get unsightly,” he mentioned. “We see that far too a lot in politics at the federal degree.”
Carter Brooker presents Ohio Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport, with a plaque designed by Fort Frye Superior School govt students. The faculty lately bought new tools, including laser engraving, for developing woodworking. (Photograph by Amy Phelps)
Jones reported representatives at the point out amount are minimal to four two-year terms. He is bulk whip.
He explained lawmakers’ key goal is to be difficulty-solvers for constituents.
“We wear a ton of diverse hats,” Jones explained. “We get the prospect to meet a good deal of persons.”
He cited the worth of finding out about a great deal of distinctive spots and obtaining another person who understands more about things that you never.
Techniques he figured out in FFA and parliamentary procedure gatherings served him discover how to operate conferences and nonetheless aid now, Jones mentioned.
“What comes about at the county and point out amount in politics will have an effect on you,” he claimed.
Learners had an option to request Jones inquiries about his task and existing situations, like redistricting.
“Redistricting is actually affecting me and my colleagues,” he stated. “A constitutional amendment is changing the way the maps were being drawn, and it has been nothing at all but a nightmare.”
Jones claimed that while early voting has presently started out for the May primary, neither himself nor his colleagues are on the ballot for the reason that no one understands what district they will characterize.
“There will be two primaries then ours will be on Aug. 2,” he stated. “And that’s the obstacle due to the fact a exclusive election normally gets a lower voter turnout.”
He talked about COVID-19 pandemic, and the differing viewpoints on masks and vaccines. He reported at one particular level he and his colleagues were on the cellphone with the governor every single 7 days to be current.
“You won’t constantly concur with anyone,” he mentioned. “You have to understand to pay attention to understand and not to react. I do not generally concur with the men and women in my party, and I agree with some (in the other celebration) on some concerns and disagree with many others. We have to find out to concur to disagree. It does not indicate that any person is right or completely wrong we just disagree.”
College students also asked about hard selections he experienced to make.
“Raising the gas tax was tough,” he reported. “It went up 10 cents for fuel and 19 cents for diesel. That was tough and not something I desired to do. I did agree simply because that funds was going to repair roadways and bridges.”
Jones famous that he pushed for much more of the money to go to counties and townships and not all to ODOT.
He mentioned politics has been incredibly gratifying.
“You really do not get associated for the dollars I basically took a pay out minimize at first. But you get to meet and do the job with so several men and women. There are excellent days and lousy times as well,” Jones explained.
He informed learners to bear in mind: “You can outwork 90 % of the folks you will meet up with.”
The students have been operating to fill out a questionnaire for course about general public speaking, which include the job of a presenter, matters covered and civic obligation.








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