Letter to the Editor: Former Kucinich Supporter Switching Sides

Editor’s note: This letter, authored by Cleveland resident Joe Bialek, is in response to the posts covering the Ohio 9th Congressional election.

As a former strong supporter and campaign worker for Congressman Dennis Kucinich I must state why I am no longer supporting him and why I am supporting Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.

I worked on the 1994 Kucinich State Senate campaign against Anthony Sinagra and the 1996 Kucinich Congressional campaign against Martin Hoke.  During those campaigns I came to know Dennis quite well.  I had just completed a run for Cleveland City council in Slavic Village and wanted to continue in politics.  In fact, I still hold the record for most yard signs placed during a State Senate campaign.

What concerned me then and concerns me now is why Kucinich failed as Mayor of Cleveland and still fails to succeed as a Congressman.  The only common denominator is his lack of people skills.  He does not now {nor did he then} have the critical ability to communicate properly with constituents, fellow lawmakers and the media in general.  Some politicians are able to "re-make" themselves.  Sadly,  Kucinich has chosen not to and look what this has resulted in for the previous 10th Congressional District.

On the other hand, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur reminds me of the type of congressperson we desperately need during these troubling economic times. She truly cares about her constituents.  From the moment you meet her you can't help but be struck by her well-honed people skills. She has utilized these skills very effectively and look at the difference it has made in Toledo and the surrounding area.  On Tuesday, March 6, please support Marcy Kaptur for Congress and help give the new 9th Congressional district a start on the right track.

Joe Bialek

Cleveland