BRUCE JOHNSON SWORN IN AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2005

Columbus, OH -- In a Statehouse ceremony today, Governor Bob Taft administered the oath of office of Lieutenant Governor to State Development Director Bruce Johnson. Lt. Governor Johnson replaces Jennette Bradley who was appointed Treasurer of State by Taft.

“As development director, Bruce Johnson has worked tirelessly to improve Ohio’s business climate,” said Taft. “Being Lt. Governor will give him an even stronger position from which to sell Ohio as a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Johnson will continue his duties as director of the Ohio Department of Development. As such, he oversees the department’s mission of job creation and retention, and expanding job opportunities for the state’s highly skilled workforce. Under Johnson’s leadership, Site Selection magazine awarded Governor Taft and Ohio with the prestigious Governor’s Cup for being top state in the nation for the number of new and expanded facilities in 2003. Johnson also spearheaded the effort to create and launch the Ohio Business Development Coalition, a public-private partnership that is charged with marketing Ohio’s unique assets and developing a state brand.

Johnson will also continue to chair both the Jobs Cabinet, created by Taft in 2004 to promote interagency cooperation in business development efforts, and the Third Frontier Commission, which oversees the state’s $1.1 billion effort to promote the research, development and commercialization of new technology in Ohio.

“What excites me most about this new position is the potential to bring even greater focus to improving Ohio’s economy so that we remain an economic leader in the increasingly global – and technology-intensive marketplace,” said Johnson.

Johnson also noted that he will be a strong advocate for tax reform, a top priority for the Taft Administration. “We have the chance to make important and long overdue changes to our tax code,” he stated. “We need to make sure our tax system is fair, and helps unleash economic prosperity.”

Johnson, who was confirmed Tuesday by both houses of the Ohio General Assembly, was joined at today’s noon ceremony by members of his family, including; his wife Kelley and children, Shane, Meagan, Connor and Morgan. His mother and stepfather, Alyce and Albert Glick were also present. Former Senate President Dick Finan served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which was held in the Finance Committee Room bearing his name.