Meet Matt Mayer – Author of Taxpayers Don’t Stand A Chance

Most political wonks know the saying, “As Ohio goes, so goes the nation”.   Author Matt Mayer of the newly formed Opportunity Ohio skillfully makes the case for “Ohio’s fall from power” and the declining state of our state.  In his book, he offers strategies and solutions to help taxpayers change the political landscape and affect policy in the all-important battleground state of Ohio.

We are deluged daily with Ohio’s presidential polling numbers due to its unique position as a battleground state. The outcome in Ohio has a huge impact nationally. Did you know that no Republican has won the Presidency without winning the state of Ohio?  Did you know that Ohio was the state that decided the re-election of George W. Bush in 2004?

If you have not had the opportunity to hear Matt Mayer speak, you are definitely missing out. (Tour dates)  He deftly presents surprising facts, figures, and policy in a fresh and appealing way that will hold your interest.  And inspire you to get involved.

Ohio Majority hosted Matt Mayer’s book tour Wednesday evening at the West Chester American Majority offices.  He is the author of Taxpayers Don’t Stand A Chance, Why Battleground Ohio Loses No Matter What.  Matt spoke for about ninety minutes to an engrossed audience of 80 plus people who received a signed copy of his book, and followed up with questions from those in attendance.

Some noteworthy points from the book:

• It does not matter whether R’s or D’s win elections
• Ohio’s local tax burden is 6^th highest in the country
• Ohio was the birthplace or home of 8 U.S. Presidents between 1803 and 1923
• Ohio is the 7^th largest state in the U.S.
• Between 1990 to 2013 government spending increased 148% in Ohio
• Between 2000 and 2010 Ohio lost more jobs than any other state except Michigan
• JINO’s (Journalists in Name Only) undermine the ability to get information to the voters
• The battle for Ohio in 2012 hinges on 4 “Red” counties and 8 “Blue” Counties
• In 1900, Ohio per capita income was 9.7% above the national average.  Ohio income is 9.4% below the national average today
• Ohio has lost 10% of its private sector jobs since 2000
• The “emotional blackmail” of continual school levies causes “levy fatigue”
• The post-mortem on failed Issue 2 (SB5) Collective Bargaining Reform

Some suggestions for reforming the political landscape in Ohio:

• Workplace freedom to promote job growth
• Real pension reform – state pensions are funded at 78%
• Increase state worker productivity
• Higher education reform – ex. Professor teach classes on live feed to students at other universities
• “Competitive Federalism” – Founders envisioned meaningful competition between states and devolution of power from the federal government

Synopsis of Matt’s background, resume, and professional achievements:

• Ohio native – born in Dayton, grew up in Westerville
• One of the rare Ohioans who left Ohio and returned
• Practiced law for five years, representing Colorado SOS in redistricting fight
• Campaign manager for Colorado first-time congressional candidate
• Helped Wayne Allard (CO) win re-election in 2002 campaign against Tom Strickland
• Deputy Director of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies under Gov. Bill Owens
• Worked in Department of Homeland Security in Bush Administration
• Authored Homeland Security and Federalism: Protecting America from Outside the Beltway, with forward written by Edwin Meese, III, Attorney General for Ronald Reagan, in June 2009
• Visiting Fellow at the Heritage Foundation on National Security Issues since 2007
• Rebuilt and ran the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions, September 2009 to December 2011

Taxpayers Don’t Stand a Chance is well-written, straightforward, and a fascinating read.  Matt Mayer has pledged to donate the proceeds from his book sales to the Reagan Presidential Library.  Books are available for purchase online. (Amazon)