POSTED BY MARTIN KICH

Ten years ago, Joel O’Dorisio was campaigning for a faculty union at Bowling Green State University. Ten years later, he has been campaigning to be the next State Senator for Ohio’s 2nd District.

Some political candidates “talk the talk” of support for public education and labor, but BGSU Art Professor Joel O’Dorisio walks the walk.

Not only did Prof. O’Dorisio help the BGSU Faculty Association win their union a decade ago, but he has been a chapter officer and negotiating team member. He has fought for paid parental leave, LGBTQ protections, increased job security for non-tenured faculty, access to promotion for full-time faculty, and generally the conditions necessary for great teaching and research at his university.

Even though O’Dorisio was outspent heavily in his primary race, he believes his strong pro-worker and pro-public education messages—propelled by an active volunteer base and energetic campaigning—put him over the top.

“In speaking to voters throughout the 2nd District, it was obvious that they are hungry for representatives in Columbus that will work unabashedly for the people, who understand the hardships of everyday workers, and who want to ensure quality education is a right and not just a luxury of the few,” he said.

While Ohio’s 2nd State Senate District (seen below, comprising Wood, Erie, Ottawa, as well as portions of Lucas and Fulton counties) traditionally has been a Republican stronghold, O’Dorisio and political pundits believe the district can be flipped.

His opponent in November, State Senator Theresa Gavarone, was appointed to her seat, so also is running district-wide for the first time. While Gavarone and the Senate Republican Caucus will have a significant fundraising advantage, O’Dorisio believes that small donations from individuals and continuing to outwork his opposition will give him the boost he needs to be successful.

“We must begin to bring back balance to the Ohio Senate with qualified, compassionate leadership,” O’Dorisio said. The Ohio Senate currently has a 24-9 Republican to Democrat split.

To learn more about AAUP member Joel O’Dorisio and his candidacy, visit his campaign website.

 

The Ohio Conference of AAUP has endorsed Joel’s candidacy

 

Joel O’Dorisio on education:

We need to ensure that our education system prepares the next generation of Ohioans for the next generation of jobs. Affordable education creates a path to success.

I love teaching. One of the most satisfying parts of my job is watching students turn their passion into a career. Over the years I’ve watched their career paths change drastically. The lucky students leave college with debt they will carry for decades. The unlucky students can’t afford to finish college at all.

When I went to OSU in the 80s, a time when Ohio’s in state tuition covered about 70% of the cost of my schooling. I was able to pay for college with a minimum wage job. Today, Ohio pays for about only 20% of higher education costs, leaving students to pay the difference. That is why Ohio has the highest student debt in the nation. For people who are not interested in college, we need effective and available job training that includes trade schools and community colleges. We need our kids to be ready for an economy that expects more than K-12.

 

Joel O’Dorisio on labor:

I support raising the minimum wage to a level that provides a dignified standard of living for every worker in Ohio. I believe in the power of organized labor to fight for just working conditions. I strive to protect working folks and grow our middle class.

The economy has changed dramatically in the last 50 years. We have jobs today that wouldn’t have been possible when I was starting my career, but these jobs are critical to the way we now live. To ensure the longevity of our economy we need to make the minimum wage a livable wage.

I am a strong advocate for organized workers. Union organizing has made the workplace safer and wages fairer across almost every industry. I helped organize a chapter of the AAUP at Bowling Green State University. Our work with the BGSU administration has been a success story for the students, the faculty, and the administration. When we support our workers, they do better work. I believe empowering workers makes our community safer and our economy more vibrant and effective.