As President Barack Obama completes his first 100 days in office, some may recognize him as "Mr. Optimism," even though his policies are not necessarily popular with everyone.

The president presents himself as an optimistic leader and is receiving approval ratings of about 64 percent, according to recent polling. More than half the country said they believe the country is moving in the right direction, according to polls.

The country still is facing major economic challenges. The state of Ohio still is facing major challenges. Even with the current challenges, what events, trends or plans cause elected leaders to believe Ohio residents - Seneca County residents -should be encouraged? Earlier this week local leaders opinions were printed. Today the opinions of Ohio's governor, a U.S. representative and one of Ohio's U.S. senators are run.

"There is no mistaking that these are difficult economic times in the state of Ohio," Gov. Ted Strickland said. "The national recession continues to hit Ohioans squarely in their pocketbooks, but I have never lost faith in the strength and resiliency of the people of this great state.

"Just like families who are prioritizing limited resources, we are living within our means by focusing state investments to those issues that will have the greatest impact on our current and future economic growth. We are modernizing Ohio's primary and secondary education system to ensure that every Ohio child learns the skills that businesses tell us they look for in the people they hire, freezing tuition at Ohio's colleges and universities, and expanding access to affordable healthcare for every Ohio child and 110,000 more uninsured adults.

"I am proud to live in a state where, even when times are tough, we pull together as a people and work to provide a more prosperous future for our families and our neighbors."

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, said he still is concerned about the effects of proposed new policies intended to control carbon emissions as well as what he considers to be high levels of government spending, but he has positive things to say about the fifth congressional district he was elected to represent and the state of Ohio.

"I still think and truly believe that we live in one of the greatest areas for opportunities in the country," Latta said. "Our district is within a good hard day's drive of 60 percent of the nation's population. We have very good transportation when it comes to roads. We have rail. We have the Port of Toledo. Even though the Toledo Express Airport doesn't have as many commercial flights as it used to, it has really become a hub for air carriers when it comes to delivery of packages and those kinds of things. We have all these things going for us.

"In our area down by North Baltimore they are putting in rail down there that can create thousands of jobs. With what they are doing we will have extra railroad employees, but it will become a very good transportation hub where they will be coming into that facility. So there is great potential there.

"I think the first thing we've got to look at is we've got this fantastic transportation at our fingertips. Second, we have a truly highly trained work force. That work force is vital, and education. As we come out of this recession, the economy will be picking up and companies will be looking at hiring more employees. They also will be looking at what parts of the country would be the best for them. Companies that have moved out of our area are moving back because the work ethic we have, and the training our employees have.

"Also, overall we've invested a lot in education in Ohio. I think that's a point that's going to help us.

I do have faith that we're going to come back. There are certain things we just can't have happen. Hopefully Congress, even the other side (Democrats), is seeing we can't be running these massive debts into the future. Hopefully that is going to stop this process down that we are getting a little bit of this under control."

U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, stressed his legislative efforts-even in conjunction with Ohio's Democratic junior senator, Sherrod Brown-as he spoke optimistically about the state he previously led as governor.

"As your senior Ohio Senator, I am working to help reduce your utility bills on two fronts," Voinovich said. "I recently introduced legislation with Senator Brown to help at least 86 struggling Ohio communities make renovations to outdated sewer systems which pose an environmental and public health threat. Without federal help, Ohioans like you will have to pay for the improvements through astronomical increases to your utility rates.

"Additionally, I have been calling for a 'Second Declaration of Independence,' from foreign sources of energy, and have pushed for the development of a comprehensive national energy policy. I recently introduced the National Energy Security Act of 2009 that finally gets this done by diversifying and promoting electric and alternative-fuel transportation, increasing the supply of our energy resources, and strengthening energy infrastructure. Passage of my legislation would reduce the U.S. economy's oil reliance by 80 percent by 2050.

"Now is an important moment and an important opportunity for America to show its ingenuity and spirit of resilience. These two pieces of legislation address real problems we face as a nation, and I am confident that we can solve them by working together."