A former Strickland staffer weighs in:

My name is Heather Taylor-Miesle.

I served as Ted Strickland's district staff assistant in 1996-1997 and as his scheduler in 1998-2000. I was responsible for all of Ted's appointments and worked with he and his Chief of Staff, John Hasely very closely. Since leaving Ted's office, I have stayed in distant contact with the office but I have no ties to his campaign and they do not know that I am writing this email to you.

During my time with Ted, I saw nothing but an incredibly mature, professional Member of Congress who thought of his job as a calling. Ted treated his staff as members of his family and always made sure to ask about our spouses and our children. When my own family was in crisis, Ted allowed me to go home to help. He never put constraints on when I had to return, only saying to take care and come back when I was able. Not many bosses would be so caring or
understanding.

In my position as his scheduler, I am also able to attest to his close, loving relationship to his wife, Francis. Hers was the only call that he would take regardless of what he was doing -- and hers was the only one that he asked about if he hadn't heard from her that day. During my time in the office, I witnessed nothing but a loving relationship.


Finally, as to whether he had an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. I never witnessed or even suspected any kind of relationship between Ted and ANY of his staff that was inappropriate. Of all people, I believe that I would've known since I was his scheduler. It is inconcievable to me that anyone who actually knows Ted would make these charges.

Bottomline, Ted is a good man. After I left his office, I went on to work at other offices in the
House. I can tell you that I never had a better boss than Ted.... not because he was nice... but because he had principles. I never felt like I worked for a "dirty politician" when I was in his office. We worked for a cause. Thanks for your time.

Heather Taylor-Miesle