To the editor:

It is no secret; we have a national inflation problem trickling down to our local economies. With the costs of gas, manufactured goods, and food increasing, we need to rely on our own oil, natural gas, and coal in order to drive down the costs for consumers.

Here in Columbiana County, I talk to people every day who struggle to make ends meet, business owners looking to fill jobs, and folks who are living paycheck to paycheck. Energy exploration, especially right here in eastern Ohio, will lead to more jobs, increase in tax revenue, and will help the United States become more energy independent.

We have our very own steward for energy in the Ohio legislature, Senator Michael Rulli. Rulli has years of experience dealing with the oil and gas industry, supporting and sponsoring bills that pave the way for Ohio to be a leader in our country’s push toward energy independence–and he understands the critical role that coal plays in that mix.

As a former local elected official who has watched Rulli throughout his entire career in the legislature, I am confident he will be a vital leader in helping Ohio become a leading player in America’s energy renaissance.

Rulli is running in the June 11th Special Election to fill the vacant Ohio 6th Congressional seat that was held by Congressman Bill Johnson.

In addition to serving two consecutive terms as a State Senator, Rulli is a small businessman, operating Rulli Brothers grocery stores, a 100 year-old family-owned company in the Northern Part of the 6th Congressional District.

He and his wife Kelly are raising two school-aged children right here in the 6th Congressional District and are embarking on this race for Congress to make sure that they leave this region, this state, and this country, a better place for their children.

Please join me in voting in the June 11th Special Election for Michael Rulli.

John R. Morrow,

Liverpool Township