Governor not ready to say if he'll speak in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Gov. John Kasich isn't ready to announce yet whether he'll give one of his annual "State of the State" speeches in Sandusky."I can't get ahead of myself," he said Wednesday, while meeting with reporters at an Associated Press forum in Columbus.But he emphasized that he loves Sandusky and Lake Erie.Two local lawmakers, state Sen. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, and state Rep. Steve Arndt, R-Port Clinton, wrote to the governor last year, and invited him to give his annual address in Sandusky. Pointing out that 2018 will be the city's 200th anniversary, they invited the two-term Republican governor, who has just announced a book deal, to join the celebration by speaking in Sandusky next year.The lawmakers have made it clear that they are flexible, and if the governor wants to speak in Sandusky earlier, that's great, too. They have helpfully pointed out that the Sandusky State Theatre would be a good venue for the speech. Kasich had made a tradition of leaving Columbus and giving his "State of the State" address on the road. He's spoken in Steubenville, Lima, Medina, Wilmington and Marietta. No decision has been announced yet for this year's and next year's location.The governor, after saying he can't announce a decision yet, added, "Thank you for your question. I love Sandusky and I love Elyria." (One of the other reporters who asked Kasich a question is from the Elyria paper)."The lake is a jewel. And the communities are great," Kasich said. "I like the idea of being up at the lake." Governor John Kasich gestures as he answers a question in Columbus Wednesday.