Kasich: Ohio labor works well

Governor focusing on tax cuts, infrastructure

Ohio Gov. John Kasich takes a close look at the new Corvette Stingray at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. He met with auto leaders there.

DETROIT — Speaking to reporters after a day of meetings with auto executives at the North American International Auto Show, Ohio Gov. John Kasich indicated a revamp of labor laws isn’t something he’s thinking much about.

“I haven’t heard much about that today,” he said in response to a question Tuesday about the impact of Michigan’s new right-to-work laws.

“There have been some discussions about what’s the impact, but I think Ohio’s in a good place. We don’t have labor problems, you don’t read about strikes. I’ve talked to some CEOs where the unions have committed to them to make their plants the best in the country.”

Instead, Mr. Kasich said he’s focusing on cutting taxes, helping connect academic institutions with businesses, Ohio’s health-care system, and infrastructure improvements.

“I think with those things Ohio will continue to do well,” he said. “We’re the No. 1 job creator in the Midwest and No. 5 in the country. We think we’re in a pretty good trajectory.”

Mr. Kasich was in Detroit to meet with officials from Honda, Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford.

Mr. Kasich said he saw a real interest in compressed natural gas vehicles. The governor has been a proponent of the fuel, with his office organizing a natural gas vehicle summit in Columbus in October.

He also said he has a good relationship with Chrysler Group chief executive Sergio Marchionne. “He is very excited about Toledo, about the work force, about the ability of the work force to understand the principles that the company itself needs to promote.