Gov. John Kasich was absolutely right in his recommendation Friday night that the East Ohio economy should be diversified. But that begs the question: How?
Kasich spoke during the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance's annual meeting. Citing the hope of economic progress because of the gas and oil drilling boom, he warned no one knows how much good that will do, or how long it will last.
"We need to develop an economic development program that creates diversity within the region so we're not held captive by something that could go wrong, go awry, go amiss," the governor urged.
Again, he is right on target. But local officials and residents are limited in their abilities to attract other kinds of business and industry, such as high-tech manufacturers. Certainly, the infrastructure and and educated workforce can be created locally, but help will be needed to actually bring such companies to the region.
Kasich seems aware of that and, through initiatives such as JobsOhio, appears to be laying the necesssary groundwork. For that he is to be commended - and he and state legislators should persist in helping all regions of the state.
