Democratic Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and Republican Gov. John Kasich appeared at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community center on the city's south side.
The city was able to reach its goal with the help of more funding from the state. Coleman, a Democrat, has been known for his healthy working relationship with Kasich, a Republican currently running for re-election.
"You know, we’re different parties, but the truth is party politics interfere with progress when you’re trying to get stuff done," Coleman said. "And this is about bringing people together to get things done, and that's what I think we've accomplished here."
While addressing his bipartisan work with Mayor Coleman, Kasich’s rhetoric took on a national tone. The governor said others could learn from this type of collaboration.
“You and I are going to take it across the country," Kasich said, "and we’re going to get the darn Republicans and Democrats to see that we can be unified and together on lifting people and giving everybody a chance and hope in our country.”
While he has appeared with Kasich in a couple of public events, Coleman has officially endorsed Democrat Ed FitzGerald for November’s gubernatorial race.
