http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/ohio-news/kasich-state-plane-use-off-to-fast-pace--1138062.htmlCOLUMBUS — Gov. John Kasich’s entourage for a 144-mile trip from Columbus to Cleveland last month was so large his office used two state-owned planes to transport the group, costing taxpayers $2,199.50.
In his first 81 days in office, the Republican Kasich used the Hawker-Beechcraft King Air planes for 16 in-state trips and four out-of-state treks at a total cost of $31,400. By comparison, former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland spent $31,849 on plane travel during his first 13 months in office.
“There is no doubt about it: I can’t get to all these places if I’m not able to fly,” Kasich said on Friday. “And look, it is a tough budget, but it’s also critical that we don’t lose companies and that we can communicate across the state.” He added, “I understand that the plane is always going to be a sensitive subject but I only use it when we have to use it, when I think the schedule demands it and we’ve got to be in multiple places at the same time.”
The trip to Cleveland and back came the day after Kasich unveiled his budget proposal that calls for cutting aid to schools and local government, selling five state prisons, privatizing Ohio’s liquor sales and requiring public workers to pay more toward their pensions. Kasich said scheduling conflicts led to the need for the second plane to Cleveland.
LOTS MORE AT THE LINK ABOVE. Don't miss it. A good read.
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