State political leaders who are mourning the loss of former Ohio Governor George Voinovich say this is a sad day for the state and the nation.
Curt Steiner, Voinovich’s former Chief of Staff, says at times, Voinovich was more like a father than a politician. "I think a lot of us looked up to him as someone who had a lot of wisdom. He exuded confidence.”
Steiner shared photos of a young George Voinovich traveling in the air but says the former governor’s financial feet were planted firmly on the ground. He says Voinovich lived in the same house his entire life and kept the same furniture for 30 years.
"To say he was thrifty would probably be fair,” added Steiner, "[A]nd he guarded the taxpayer's money the same way he guarded his own."
US Congressman Steve Stivers shared that sentiment: "One of his big catch-phrases was 'do more with less' and not only did he say it, he did it. [He wanted] to get things done; not just grandstand, but to move things forward."
Stivers continued “He led Republicans, Democrats, Independents...he led with enthusiasm, confidence, set a direction and achieved it. He'll have a lasting legacy, though, and that's one thing we should all feel good about is the difference he made in all our lives.”
Here's what other Ohio politicians and organizations had to say about Voinovich's career and legacy:
Congressman Tim Ryan: “I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of George Voinovich. Former Governor and Senator Voinovich served our state with great distinction all his life. He was a consummate professional who always conducted himself with class and independent leadership. He will be missed.”
Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger: “I was deeply saddened to hear today about the passing of George Voinovich. He made a tremendous and lasting impact on this state and the results of his work will be remembered by Ohioans for years to come. His various roles in public service, including as governor, United States senator and mayor of Cleveland, are all examples of steady, thoughtful and honorable leadership. His legacy is something to truly be admired. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Janet, and his family during this difficult time.”
Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis:
We are all deeply saddened by the news of Senator Voinovich’s passing.
Senator Voinovich was a great American, dearly beloved alumnus of Ohio University, and a stalwart public servant and political leader. His passion for his community and state, his commitment and love for his family, and his unwavering support for educating the next generations of public servants serve as examples for why we revere him and feel blessed to have benefited from his knowledge, wisdom, care, and compassion.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the Voinovich family as we mourn the loss of this great man whose legacy will touch many generations now and into the future.
Republican Party of Cuyahoga County: The nation, the State of Ohio and the City of Cleveland lost a great friend and champion with the passing earlier today of George V. Voinovich, former Cleveland Mayor, Ohio Governor and United States Senator.
RPCC Chairman Rob Frost stated "Senator Voinovich was a true leader in every sense of the word, and our world is a better place today because of his principled life as a public servant. He believed public service was a noble calling, and in every position he held he acted in the way he believed was best for the citizens that he represented. He put God and family at the center of all that he did, and our most heartfelt prayers are with his wife Janet, their children and the entire Voinovich family at this difficult time."
Ohio Democratic Party: “Today we mourn the passing of an Ohio giant, George Voinovich, a man who dedicated more than half of his life in service to the people of the Buckeye State. When I was a local elected official, I had the privilege of escorting then-Senator Voinovich on a tour of Cincinnati, and it was clear he was still a mayor at heart. He didn’t miss a detail, and that’s what a great public servant does -- focuses on the details and brings people together to find solutions. Our thoughts and prayers are with George’s wife, Janet, his beloved children and grandchildren and our colleagues at the Ohio Republican Party, as we grieve the loss of a great Ohioan.”
Former Ohio Senate President Stan Aronoff: "We have lost a wonderful, compassionate, tough, likable leader, father and friend. His contributions to his family, Ohio and the Nation, will never be forgotten."
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther: “I am deeply saddened at the passing of George Voinovich. For nearly 50 years, he was a devoted public servant, a testament to his love for the state of Ohio and the United States. I lift up his family and friends in my prayers today.”
Governor John Kasich: “I am very saddened today by the passing of my friend George Voinovich. I respected him greatly and had a deep affection for him. His love for our state and his hometown of Cleveland was only surpassed by his love for his family and his wife Janet. He was guided by two ideas: love God and love your neighbor, and by faithfully applying them throughout his life he helped Ohioans see how much they could accomplish by working together.
“He was a unifier who thought outside the box, never gave up and worked hard for the ideas he believed in up until the very end of his life. Thanks to that leadership he saved Cleveland, governed Ohio compassionately and responsibly and was a candid voice for reason in the U.S. Senate. I am proud to have known him and grateful for what he did for our state and nation.
“To his wife Janet, his children and his many grandchildren, my family sends our condolences and heartfelt prayers at this difficult time, and on behalf of Ohio I send my gratitude for sharing this wonderful, dynamic man with us for so many years.”
Ohio Republican Party: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Ohio's favorite son, George Voinovich, this morning. Voinovich served more than 46 years in public office and defined what it means to be a public servant. George Voinovich was a man of integrity who dedicated his life to serving Cleveland and the state of Ohio. As Mayor, Voinovich saved Cleveland from default and led a comeback campaign for the city. He proficiently governed Ohio and served as a voice of reason in the U.S. Senate. George Voinovich is the most prolific vote-getter in the history of Ohio. Our hearts go out to his wife Janet and their children and grandchildren."
