The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Those representing Lorain County note historic moment, call for unity
Lawmakers representing Lorain County welcomed new President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris once they took office Jan. 20.
“Today, the American experiment endures,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo. “Nothing speaks to the health of democracy as clearly as the inauguration of a new president.
“The inauguration of President Joe Biden as our 46th president and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman and person of color in history to be elected to the office, is cause for so much hope.
“The American people sought a new course for our country, a helping hand as they struggle to regain their footing from a worldwide pandemic,” said Kaptur, herself the longest serving woman in the history of the House of Representatives.
“With their swearing in, President Biden and Vice
President Harris bring anew to the Capital the hopes and dreams of all Americans that our great nation may meet its full promise.
“I look forward to working closely with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to achieve great successes for the people of Ohio and the nation – they deserve nothing less.”
Kaptur’s Ninth House District includes Lorain County’s coastal cities of Vermilion, Lorain, Sheffield Lake and Avon Lake.
Rep. Jordan
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, represents Ohio’s Fourth House District. It includes Sheffield Village, Elyria, Amherst, Oberlin and the central and western townships of Lorain County.
Jordan, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, attended the inauguration, although Trump did not.
“This is as close to pageantry as we get in America. This day — this and the State of the Union address — I just think it’s important that, that you attend those events,” Jordan told reporters in Washington.
That statement was published on Twitter and shared by an aide of the House Judiciary Committee, of which Jordan is ranking member.
Jordan also used Twitter to say: “America’s the greatest country ever. May God continue to bless us all.”
Rep. Gibbs
Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Lakeville, represents the Seventh House District that includes Avon, North Ridgeville and the easternmost and southernmost townships of Lorain County.
On Jan. 19, Gibbs published a statement on Facebook, stating he expected Biden to emphasize national unity in his inaugural address, and rightly so.
“I say that not because it is only up to Biden to make this pledge, but because of the unique megaphone the presidency and the White House carries,” Gibbs said. “This responsibility is not a one-way street.
“If and when there are issues in which we agree, I will work with President Biden and his administration. But, I will also implore him to seek Republican input on the issues the parties are farthest apart.”
Sen. Brown
Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, noted the historic nature of the event, especially for workers and girls.
“Today, I join Ohioans and the rest of the nation in celebrating the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris,” Brown said. “American workers will finally have someone on their side in the White House, and millions of girls – especially Black and brown girls — all over the country are seeing that there is no limit to their dreams, and they belong in every room where decisions are made.
“I look forward to working with President Biden, Vice President Harris and my colleagues to rise to meet the challenges before us, bring our country together and continue our fight for the Dignity of Work,” Brown said.
Sen. Portman
Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican, has attended every presidential inauguration since 1988.
“I extend my congratulations to President and Dr.
Biden, as well as Vice President
Harris and
Mr. (Doug) Emhoff, on today’s historic Inauguration,” Portman said. “I had the honor of attending, and I look forward to working with the new administration on areas where we agree in order to make a difference in the lives of Ohioans and all Americans.
“When we disagree, I will do so respectfully. Public service is a noble calling and anyone who serves deserves the respect of the American people, regardless of political affiliation.”
Ohio lawmakers
Ohio Rep. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, also noted a new chapter in American history.
“Today, we saw history being made with the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris,” Manning said. “I trust that they will work with Congress to guide America forward and address the issues that matter to Americans.”
Ohio Rep. Joe Miller, DAmherst, called for healing and hope under a new administration.
“Today, we begin a new era of leadership that strives to ensure everyone has a seat at the table and sets a good example not only for Americans, but for the rest of the world,” Miller said. “I’m proud to see our government is moving closer to a true reflection of our society, where equality and opportunity is offered to all citizens.
“With this president and vice president, their diverse cabinet, and a more balanced Congress, Americans will truly be represented moving forward. This will include a unified agenda that will bring healing and hope for the United States.”
Rep. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, offered his congratulations to the nation’s new chief executive and vice president.
“Congratulations to President
Biden and Vice President Harris, who took an oath today to preserve, protect, and defend our Constitution. I look forward to the work ahead of us here in Ohio as we continue our efforts to create opportunities for the people of this great state.”