Don't draw party lines

The Ohio Legislature soon will be taking pen in hand to redraw state voting district lines - and a heavily Democratic district likely will be scratched out.

With 2000 census figures showing slower population growth in Ohio than in other areas of the country, the Buckeye State will lose one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. But some feel the loss could be a gain for state Republicans.

The redistricting process is expected to eliminate a historically Democratic district in the Cleveland area, which would give Republicans an edge in future elections.

But new district borders should not be drawn along party lines.

Officials with the power to decide whom their voters will be are not serving their constituents; they are serving themselves.

With the party rift growing deeper after the recent presidential election in which Ohio was considered a swing state, doing away with a voting district ought to require more than a show of hands in Ohio's Republican-controlled Legislature.

A third-party organization or a bipartisan legislative committee would serve Ohio voters well by researching which regions recorded the highest rates of growth and recommending district lines be drawn accordingly. The result might be the elimination of a Republican district. Or a Democratic district could get the boot.

Gains or losses for Democrats and Republicans are insubstantial. Fairness and decorum in the redistricting process should be the Legislature's goal.

But significant attention also should be paid to Ohio's comparative lack of population growth. The 2000 census revealed a 4.5 percent rate of growth statewide, while populations in other states increased an average of 13 percent.

The slower growth rate has been attributed to steady out-of-state migration, which begs the question, "Why are Ohioans so eager to leave?"

Whether greater economic opportunities, educational resources or cultural outlets are drawing people away, elected officials should make a priority of keeping Ohio a desirable place to live. By encouraging in-state corporations to work with Ohio universities in recruiting and placing qualified graduates, both constituents and officials will win.

Having Ohio's voice heard over the din of national political conversation is in the interests of everyone who lives here.

Giving spirit hits Rocky Boots

A winter chill has settled over southeastern Ohio. But a warm glow - the glow of a giving spirit - is emanating from within Nelsonville's Rocky Shoes and Boots factory.

The local manufacturer and the Parade of Hills Committee recently donated 250 pairs of shoes and boots to the Nelsonville-York School District, which will distribute coupons for shoes and boots from the store.

Such programs exemplify the meaning of community and good will and afford businesses the opportunity to give back to the communities that have allowed them to thrive.

With predictions of a harsh winter ahead, other businesses and individuals should follow suit, donating what they can in the way of funds and practical goods to schools, churches and local charities.