{"id":13849,"date":"2024-10-10T13:05:18","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T13:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=13849"},"modified":"2024-10-10T13:05:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T13:05:18","slug":"a-seasoned-warriors-biggest-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/10\/a-seasoned-warriors-biggest-battle\/","title":{"rendered":"A Seasoned Warrior\u2019s Biggest Battle"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Rev. D.L. Perryman, PhD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Rev. Donald L. Perryman, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe Truth Toledo<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0Truth never damages a cause that is just.
\n<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/em>\u00a0 – Mahatma Gandhi<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur has never shied away from a challenge.<\/p>\n

As the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives, Kaptur has dedicated her career to fighting for her 9th<\/sup> Congressional District constituents since 1983 by leveraging her seniority and strategic roles on key committees to bring federal resources and meaningful policy changes to northwest Ohio.<\/p>\n

Yet, in the upcoming November 5 election, Kaptur faces what might be the fight of her political life. This time, however, it is not only a battleground of policy or funding. Nor is the battle limited to her consistent encounter against Republican-initiated redistricting and gerrymandering. This time \u2013 it is a fight for the truth.<\/p>\n

Despite a wave of misinformation and falsehoods from her opponent, Kaptur\u2019s record speaks for itself. Since arriving in Congress during the Reagan administration, she has strategically incorporated her initiatives into broader legislative efforts. By chairing appropriations subcommittees and negotiating amendments into law, she has influenced both national policy and local outcomes to deliver results that matter.<\/p>\n

Join us as we dialog with the congresswoman to explore her journey and latest challenge, a battle for the truth at the heart of her service.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Marcy Kaptur<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: How has politics, especially in Congress, changed since you first started?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: Oh my, it\u2019s been a revolution, a sea change. When I first arrived in Congress, leaders like Republican Bob Michel from Illinois and Democrat leader Tip O\u2019Neal from Boston set a cordial tone on the floor. They joked together, collaborated, and even sang carols with the president during the holidays. That kind of camaraderie is gone. Today, the divide is much deeper \u2013 crossing the aisle to talk is rare and often raises suspicion on both sides.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: Your district used to be comfortably blue, but redistricting has changed that, adding more rural areas. What strategies have you used to build relationships and trust in these new areas?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: We have worked very hard on connecting and delivering results. I\u2019ve met with mayors across the district and worked closely with local leaders. For instance, we secured $1.8 million for Terra Tech in Sandusky County and funded street improvements in Fremont. We\u2019ve supported local businesses, farmers and educational systems throughout the district, including areas I hadn’t represented before. It\u2019s about understanding the community\u2019s needs and building strong relationships.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve helped secure over $800 million in funding for the region, including fire equipment for seven out of eight counties, and provided support for police radios and infrastructure. These investments, such as helping the GM Propulsion Plant, the GM foundry in Defiance and Jeep facilities, have brought real change. It\u2019s a lot of work, but the results are starting to show, and people see that we’re delivering for them.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: We are seeing unprecedented attacks and negative ads against you. Can you clarify your position on border security and respond to claims that you\u2019ve been ineffective?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: First, let me set the record straight. There isn\u2019t one of these people making the accusations who has even delivered a little fingernail compared to what we\u2019ve delivered to this region. They don\u2019t do anything. All they do is move the district\u2019s boundary lines to make it more difficult for me to get elected. They have no idea what it takes to rebuild neighborhoods and an economic base for a community and improve people’s way of life; they simply don\u2019t know, and Ohio shows it.<\/p>\n

The truth is, you can’t go anywhere in this district without seeing the impact of our work. We transformed the 180th Fighter Wing from a small base to a major force overseeing the northern watch and invested in the Erie Ottawa Airport and other critical facilities. We also rescued the federal research facility in Erie County and supported major companies like Cleveland Cliffs, Parker Steel, and North Star BlueScope Steel\u2014helping revitalize our region’s economic base.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, those attacking us haven’t lifted a finger to help. They hide in Columbus and claim credit while we bring real results, like over a billion dollars for cleaning up Lake Erie and the Great Lakes and restoring rivers such as the Black River and the Maumee. We cleaned up the nuclear waste site in Luckey, Ohio. They accuse us of doing nothing, but the truth is they’re playing politics. This is about real work and not a game to me.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: Are there other projects in the City of Toledo that occurred with your help.<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: Just recently, in the heart of our city where Dorr Street and, I think, 11th Street come over the I-75, that whole area will receive over $50 million to build the heart of our city. That didn\u2019t come from the state. We also brought over $5.8 million for the pathway that will be through Sandusky, Ohio going eastward toward Vermilion. There are several grants that are attached to that, but literally they\u2019re going to rebuild the waterfront of Sandusky.<\/p>\n

The solar panels that are at Jet Express, I can go all across our region and point to projects that we have worked on that have actually come to fruition.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: So, legislative impact is not achieved by merely sponsoring stand-alone bills but by incorporating resources for your district into larger legislative packages, appropriations, or omnibus bills?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: You cannot be successful in Congress just by passing \u201cyour own\u201d bills; you need many cosponsors and 218 votes to pass. I serve on the Appropriations Committee, an exclusive committee. We appropriate the money for the entire federal government. I work hard in every account to make sure our region benefits. My seniority on the committee is very important. Bipartisan collaboration is everything to move our bills for the nation.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: What is your stand on the border that you\u2019re being criticized about?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: I’m the only one in the political discussion who has real experience. I served on the Homeland Security Committee when it was first created and secured funding for the Border Patrol building in Ottawa County over a decade ago. This office and its officers manage the northern border, focusing on Lake Erie and the Canadian connection, especially boaters. I doubt those criticizing me were even in office when we built it.<\/p>\n

Additionally, we improved US 24, which runs from Toledo to the Indiana border\u2014a major route for fentanyl trafficking. Border Patrol assists the sheriffs along this road, and I helped fund those efforts. Critics claim I haven\u2019t done enough, but the truth is they voted against the Homeland Security bills that funded these initiatives. We even supported a bipartisan bill to add 1,800 more agents and streamline immigration cases, but it\u2019s stuck in the Senate because of political games. If they were serious about border security, they\u2019d let that bill move forward instead of misleading the public.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: You haven\u2019t stayed silent against Derrick Merrin\u2019s attacks. You\u2019ve highlighted his support for corporate tax breaks and utility rate hikes, calling him a corporate puppet. How do you plan to protect Northwestern Ohio families from rising costs and inflation and prioritize their interests over corporate profits?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: I have data showing which presidents benefited which groups. Under Republican leadership, the wealthiest gained the most, while our focus is building the middle class. Kamala Harris says she wants to move the middle class forward, and I fully agree. We can’t keep rewarding the top one percent and expect our society to thrive\u2014people need affordable medicine, homes, and groceries, and stagnant wages are a big barrier.<\/p>\n

Since 1975, the U.S. has faced a trade deficit fueled by companies moving jobs abroad for cheap labor. We need to help industries that create and grow here. My motto is: \u201cWhat America makes and grows, makes and grows America<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: Merrin and the Republican Party have attacked your record on abortion and reproductive rights. How are you communicating your stance to voters, especially in a way that could bridge the divide in this competitive district?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: Well, it looks like Trump and Vance are shifting their positions 15 different ways, so I don\u2019t think that we can trust whatever they say. The Ohioans I’ve talked to want to make these decisions within their families\u2014not have politicians in Columbus or Washington deciding for them. It\u2019s their civil right to choose whether or not to have children. Denying a woman that right, especially in cases of rape, is cruel and punitive.<\/p>\n

None of these lawmakers, like my opponent, will ever face that situation themselves. Ohio voters made their stance clear by passing Issue One, and I believe they\u2019ll continue to stand for reproductive freedom in this election. These are deeply personal rights, and no narrow-minded politician should take them away.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: Your opponent is positioning himself as a fresh face. How does your long experience make you more effective compared to his lack of experience?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: My opponent was the Mayor of Waterville at 21, but I haven\u2019t seen any meaningful achievements from his time there, and he doesn\u2019t even live there anymore. He opposed important lead removal ordinances in Columbus. When he tried to become Speaker of the Ohio House, he failed to gain support from a majority in either party \u2013 which suggests he can\u2019t work with others.<\/p>\n

In contrast, I have a proven track record with tangible results. For instance, we\u2019re finally building the new federal courthouse in downtown Toledo, a project I fought for over 25 years. It wasn\u2019t easy, but perseverance delivered results for our community. Meanwhile, my opponent supported Larry Householder and HB-6, which led to higher utility bills for First Energy customers and involved him in a corruption scandal. I think voters should consider who has genuinely served and delivered for this community.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: Finally, let\u2019s talk about your vision for northwestern Ohio. If reelected, what are your top priorities for the next term?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: First, the economy. I want to continue investing in local companies like Kraft Foods, and First Solar, as well as support the rebirth of our steel and automotive industries. We also need to encourage new businesses and innovation, along with strong workforce development. A recent success I\u2019m proud of is the reopening of the community college on Parkside Boulevard, thanks to collaboration with Toledo Public Schools, Owens, and the University of Toledo.<\/p>\n

Housing is another key focus. We need better local financing options, and I hope to work toward restoring a system like the old savings and loans model to support affordable housing. I also aim to support small businesses, including expanding the Toledo Federal Urban Credit Union to offer more loans and credit counseling to local families. Revitalizing our neighborhoods is a priority too, in partnership with the city and county, to bring new life to areas that have been neglected.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: What final point would you like to leave with\u00a0The<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>Truth’s<\/em>\u00a0readers and your northwestern Ohio constituents?<\/p>\n

Kaptur<\/strong>: I want people to know the facts. In the last 15 years alone, I\u2019ve passed 19 bills into law, including the Butch Lewis Act, which saved over a million Teamsters’ pensions nationwide\u201462,000 of those right here in Ohio. The Great Lakes Authority Act is another major achievement, similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority, aimed at protecting our precious Great Lakes. And let\u2019s not forget my work adding 10,000 border agents over the past 30 years.<\/p>\n

Despite false claims, fact checks by WTOL, WTVG, and Spectrum News have proven many of the attacks against me to be lies. I\u2019ve also brought back over $850 million to our district this year alone, thanks to initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the American Rescue Plan. My focus is delivering real results, and I\u2019m proud of what we\u2019ve achieved for northwestern Ohio.<\/p>\n

Perryman<\/strong>: Thank you, so much.<\/p>\n

Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, PhD, at <\/em>drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Rev. Donald L. Perryman, Ph.D. The Truth Toledo \u00a0\u00a0Truth never damages a cause that is just. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 – Mahatma Gandhi Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur has never shied away from a challenge. As the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives, Kaptur has dedicated her […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6394,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55,252],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[257],"class_list":["post-13849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorial-opinion","category-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13849","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13849"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13849\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13850,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13849\/revisions\/13850"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13849"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=13849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}