Governor backs move for more ride inspectors

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s governor supports efforts to increase the number of state amusement ride inspectors.

Ride safety has drawn increased attention after a 2017 accident at the Ohio State Fair killed a young man thrown from a ride. A young woman who was among the injured died more than a year later.

WOSU Public Radio reports that Republican Mike DeWine says he supports Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda’s request for more funding in the new budget for her department’s ride safety division. That would pay for more ride inspectors for the fairs, carnivals and amusement parks.

DeWine says he understands concerns about ride safety. He says safety “is the essential function of government.”

The annual state fair runs July 24-Aug. 4.

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Information from: WOSU-FM, http://www.wosu.org