Hundreds of legislators, statewide and local elected officials, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, guests, reporters, and members of the public gathered at Otterbein University on the evening of Tuesday, March 6, for Ohio Governor John Kasich’s eighth and final State of the State address. He delivered his address at a formal joint session of the 132nd General Assembly in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall.  In his speech, Kasich praised his chosen hometown of Westerville as a community that has come together in difficult times with the death of two police officers to embody the positive values that are important to society. He spoke of loving thy neighbors, humility, compassion, and responsibility. Referencing philosophers and historical figures, as well as whistle blowers, first responders and everyday heroes who put others above themselves, Kasich said, “We have an opportunity to let these values I’ve spoke of come alive in all of us.” In his hour-long speech, he addressed issues that Ohio is facing, from mental health treatment and opioid addiction to prison reform and human trafficking by sharing stories of people touched by those issues, only lightly touching on policy and legislation. Officials from Otterbein, the City of Westerville, Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Westerville City Schools, Westerville Public Library, and other local organizations and businesses worked with the Governor’s Office to plan this special “welcome home” for Kasich. View photos from the day. For more information about the State of the State address, visit governor.ohio.gov.