MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Board of Commissioners met with representatives of Ohio Sen. Rob Portman’s office Thursday morning to discuss issues of concern in Knox County.
Apps Akpofure, director of outreach, and John Campbell, central district director, were traveling around the central Ohio region and scheduled a stop in Mount Vernon to touch base with the county commissioners.
“We work hard to make sure that we understand what’s going on in Ohio and convey any concerns to the senator,” said Campbell about their visit to Knox County.
Commissioner Teresa Bemiller stressed a concern about the Environmental Protection Agency proposing to revise the ozone levels once again, which would affect Knox County. “We’ve been asked to send letters to representatives to oppose raising those levels,” said Bemiller.
“We represent 15 counties in central Ohio and call upon your counterparts, business owners and those in economic development,” said Campbell. He told how Portman is concerned about this situation and introduced a bill in January, Jobs Creation after 2011, which includes provisions about counties taking measures to better the climate for job creation. It also includes a provision calling for a one-year moratorium on the EPA.
“Let’s not over-regulate ourselves to death; let’s not spin ourselves into the ground,” said Campbell, adding how he believes the EPA is “out of control.”
