A former Ohio University student soon will take the reins as the new director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia.
Gov. Bob Taft named economic planner T.J. Justice to the position Monday.
I'm very excited about this opportunity that Governor Taft has asked me to do
Justice said. It was a very fair interview process with (Taft's) staff. I had a meeting with his chief of staff last week. I am honored to represent the people of Appalachia.
Former director Joy Padgett left the position in January when she was appointed to fill a vacated seat in the Ohio Senate representing Athens County. Since then, interim director Jennifer Simon has been acting in her place.
Justice has agreed to serve as director for the remainder of Taft's time in office - through 2006. The 37-year-old said his new salary has not yet been resolved. When Padgett held the position, she made $66,850 a year.
Taft's spokesman, Orest Holubec, said Justice's salary would be determined later this month.
Working with the Office of Appalachia as the Governor's Regional Economic Development Representative in Chillicothe, Justice managed Ohio's site selection team, leading to the United States Enrichment Corporation's 2002 decision to locate the Lead Cascade in Piketon and its 2004 decision to locate the commercial plant at that location. The Lead Cascade project uses new technology to enrich uranium.
Justice was chosen primarily because he was instrumental bringing the corporation to Piketon, said Mike Hogan, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Development.
Justice brings a proven track record of putting together economic development packages for companies Holubec said. The key is working with the state local and federal government to facilitate economic opportunities. There are needs in the Appalachian region that T.J. is aware of.
Holubec said there were many excellent candidates among the nine applicants for the job, including Simon.
Simon said that while she is disappointed she was not selected, her greatest concern is for the region.
I am supportive of this office and the governor and will continue to work to make Appalachia better.
Simon will remain interim director until a starting date has been established for Justice to take office. She agreed to remain as assistant director for Justice, a position she held when Padgett was director.
Padgett, appointed by Taft July 1, 1999, served as the director for 4-and-a-half years.
My support is for the region and I will support Mr. Justice any way I possibly can
Padgett said.
Justice's main goal is to continue to work on economic development in Appalachia.
I think it's important to have systems in place that will give us returns on the investment so I can convince the General Assembly to continue funding in future years
Justice said.
He said he is looking forward to working on the strategic plan for Nelsonville.
I am aware of the activity and am anxious to get down there to help with them
Justice said.
In Athens, he plans to work on the Poston Industrial Park - located on Poston Road between The Plains and Nelsonville - home to three spec buildings. Fred Baughman, president of the economic development council for Athens County, said the park is a site for industrial-type projects to locate in and bring jobs to the area.
Justice, a broadcast journalism major, attended OU and left in 1989 to take a broadcasting job. He was a few credits short of graduating.
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Natalie Long
