Bedfordtimesregister.com - Statehouse potpourri: Cars, women and video slot machines

Columbus -- It's full speed ahead for the state's attempt to put slot machines at horse racing tracks.

That's according to Gov. Ted Strickland, who recently shot down rumors that the process was stalled and would take longer than the anticipated May 2010 launch date.

"Our new lottery director is on board," the state's top Democratic office-holder told reporters. "She is excited about carrying out the responsibilities, so I feel very good about where things are. And we will make decisions in a deliberative, careful and thoughtful manner, which means we're not going to rush to judgment about any aspect about what needs to be done to get this program up and running."

Strickland's comments came during a week that included the release of video lottery terminal rules and the appointment of Cleveland attorney Kathleen Burke as the director of the lottery commission.

The rules outline includes more details about how the slots plan will be implemented:

* Applications from tracks wanting to install slots are due by mid-September. They'll have to fork over the $100,000 application fee (which is nonrefundable) plus the first of five installments of $13 million each at that time, too.

* Tracks will be required to make $80 million in capital improvements over the next five years, with a $20 million commitment in the first year.

* Slots areas at tracks will have to be separated from race wagering areas, and no kids will be allowed near the video lottery terminals.

Economic recovery?

While acknowledging the continuing economic challenges facing the state, Strickland remained optimistic about a turnaround.

"I'm encouraged," he said. "I think there are some embryonic signs of economic recovery, and I am really hopeful. But I remain vigilant. We are watching the situation very closely and I will attempt to make appropriate decisions as events unfold."

Asked whether he thought it was time for governors to start pushing for another federal stimulus bill, Strickland replied," I think it's a little too early for that."

The Big 3

Strickland traveled to the Detroit area recently to visit with officials from Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. It was part of a regular series of meetings between the governor and the Big 3 auto-makers about their Ohio operations.

"Some of the news is good news, some of the news is not-so-good news," Strickland said. "But I don't think there's any doubt about the need for Ohio to continue to be supportive of this industry ... I really believe the leadership of these companies are getting their act together. The Chevy Cruz is going to be built in Lordstown. I think that's going to result in increased jobs there."

He added, "The auto industry has been, is and will continue to be a major part of Ohio's economy. We want it to be part of Ohio's growing economy."

Senate women

Republicans in the Ohio Senate appointed Shannon Jones to the Cincinnati-area seat left vacant following the death of Robert Schuler earlier this year.

Jones resigned her seat in the Ohio House to accept the new post. She is the second woman in the Senate's majority caucus, joining Tiffin Republican Nancy Gillmor.

"Speaker (Armond) Budish no longer has to find creative ways to ignore me on the House floor," Jones joked after taking her seat in the Senate chamber.

Marc Kovac is the Dix Capital Bureau Chief. E-mail him at mkovac@dixcom.com or on Twitter at Ohio Capital Blog.