DEMS MEET WITH GOV.--Reps. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, left, and Johnny Maier, D-Massillon, file out of Gov. George Voinovich's office after a group of House Democrates met with Voinovich to discuss alternatives for funding public schools, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, July 17, 1997.

MAKING PROGRESS--Rep. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, speaks with reporters following a meeting of House Democrats with Gov. George Voinovich, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, July 17, 1997. Sykes said that the meeting, concerning other ways to fund public schools, such as an income tax, was productive, and that the minority party would continue to meet with Voinovich's staff.