Scores of Community Leaders Have Lunch With Congresswoman Sutton

United States Representative Betty Sutton (13th District) was the featured speaker at a luncheon sponsored by United Way of Summit County's Public Policy Committee held on Monday, November 19 at the Jerry Shaw Jewish Community Center.

After introductory remarks by UWSC President Bob Kulinski and Shaw JCC Director Todd Rockoff, the irrepressible Frank Comunale, chair of the Public Policy Committee and Summit County Council Member, introduced his friend Betty Sutton in his 'one-of-a-kind' fashion.

(l to r: Bob Kulinski, Frank Comunale, Rep, Betty Sutton)

Rep. Sutton began her remarks with high praise for Bob Kulinski, Board Chair Thom Mandel, and everyone affiliated with United Way. She reflected on her first 11 months in office and shared what she feels are some of the successes and some of her frustrations.

Among the accomplishments of the 110th Congress to which she pointed with pride were the Lobbying Reform measures, increasing minimum wage, and fully funding the Veterans' Administration - amazingly representing the first time the VA has been fully funded in 70 years.

One of her main goals as she looks to the future is controlling college costs, which have risen 40% in just the past five years.

But it hasn't been all sunshine and roses for the Freshman Congresswoman. She spoke with rising passion and indignation about the partisan politics blocking the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The bill passed in the House of Representatives, but not by a sufficient margin to override the Presidential veto.

"There is simply no excuse for leaving any child behind," said Sutton. "In the most powerful, most prosperous nation on earth, it's unethical and unacceptable to let children go without basic, essential health care."

She answered questions from the crowd of more than 60 community leaders focusing on everything from healthcare to homelessness.

Our thanks to Rep. Betty Sutton for sharing her time with us, and to the Public Policy Committee for bringing this event to fruition.