George Voinovich
George Voinovich
Full Name and Common Aliases
George Victor Voinovich was an American politician who served as the 61st Governor of Ohio from 1991 to 1998 and as a U.S. Senator from Ohio from 1999 to 2011.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 15, 1936, in Barberton, Ohio, Voinovich passed away on June 12, 2016, at the age of 79.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American politician
Early Life and Background
George Voinovich was born to a family with strong roots in politics. His father, Victor George Voinovich, served as a judge, while his mother, Elizabeth (née Hrbek), was a homemaker. Voinovich's early life was shaped by the values of hard work, dedication, and public service instilled by his parents.
Growing up in Barberton, Ohio, Voinovich developed an interest in politics at a young age. He attended Walsh Jesuit High School, where he was active in student government and debate teams. After graduating, Voinovich went on to study at Case Western Reserve University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959.
Major Accomplishments
Voinovich's entry into politics began with his service as the Mayor of Cleveland from 1980 to 1989. During this period, he implemented various initiatives aimed at revitalizing the city's economy and infrastructure. Notably, he oversaw the construction of a new downtown convention center and facilitated the redevelopment of the area surrounding Cleveland Stadium.
In 1991, Voinovich was elected as the Governor of Ohio, where he served two terms. His administration focused on improving education, transportation, and economic development in the state. He also implemented various policies aimed at reducing crime rates and promoting environmental conservation.
Notable Works or Actions
As a U.S. Senator from 1999 to 2011, Voinovich played a key role in shaping national policy on issues such as energy, transportation, and education. He was a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and served as its chair from 2003 to 2007.
One notable achievement during his tenure as Senator was his leadership on the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This comprehensive legislation aimed at promoting energy efficiency, reducing dependence on foreign oil, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Impact and Legacy
George Voinovich's commitment to public service spanned over four decades. His dedication to improving the quality of life for his constituents earned him widespread recognition and respect within the political community.
Throughout his career, Voinovich remained true to his core values of bipartisanship and pragmatism. He was known for his ability to work across party lines to achieve common goals, earning him the nickname "the conscience of the Senate."
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
George Voinovich's impact on Ohio politics is undeniable. As a leader who consistently put the needs of his constituents first, he set a high standard for public service. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of politicians and policymakers.
As a champion of bipartisanship and pragmatic problem-solving, Voinovich's approach to governance remains relevant today. His commitment to addressing pressing issues such as climate change, energy policy, and education reform has left a lasting impact on national politics.
Through his life's work, George Voinovich demonstrated that effective leadership is not about personal ambition or ideology but rather about serving the greater good.
Quotes by George Voinovich
I don’t understand why people in this country are so bent on doing the ‘perfect,’ when you have something that is good and makes sense from a cost-benefit point of view.
We need to stay in Iraq until the job is done. The President understands this and I’m glad that he is getting more countries to participate. We must change the chant of millions of young Muslims from ‘Jihad Against the World’ to ‘Freedom and Democracy.’
To say that the vote fraud conspiracy theorists are tilting at windmills is an understatement. They’re using a legitimate public process to pursue an agenda that is, at best, grasping at straws and, at worse, partisan.
Governments and businesses shouldn't have to litigate cases all the way to the Supreme Court in order to find out whether or not a tax incentive is constitutional,
To say that the vote fraud conspiracy theorists are tilting at windmills is an understatement. They're using a legitimate public process to pursue an agenda that is, at best, grasping at straws and, at worse, partisan.
We need to stay in Iraq until the job is done. The President understands this and I'm glad that he is getting more countries to participate. We must change the chant of millions of young Muslims from 'Jihad Against the World' to 'Freedom and Democracy.'
In this era of global competition, the states can't afford to have doubts about the validity of tax incentives, one of their key economic development tools. I can assure you that China and India aren't going to stop using tax incentives.