Jobs, jobs, jobs.
In his first 100 days as president, Donald Trump has fulfilled his promises of withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, filling a Supreme Court position and tightening immigration policies, among others.
But how has he fulfilled his promises on the subject that drew voters to the polls more than anything else — strengthening the economy and bringing back jobs?
Fox News host Martha MacCallum headed straight to the source to find out at a town hall meeting at Stolle Machinery in North Canton on Tuesday, where she held and broadcast live the final town hall meeting for her series First 100 Days.
In the weeknight series, MacCallum attempts to hold the new administration accountable by finding out peoples’ opinions about Trump’s job so far. This Saturday marks Trump’s 100th day.
MacCallum said she chose the area because it’s at the heart of Stark County, where one of the biggest party flips in the country occurred in 2016. President Barack Obama, a Democrat, beat Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in 2012 by one point in Stark County, but Trump, a Republican, won the 2016 race by more than 17 points.
“So what happened over the course of these years? That’s what we’re going to dig into,” MacCallum said.
MacCallum also said the Canton area “represents the classic Rust Belt story” with its 10 percent decline in population over the last 15 years and its median household income coming in roughly $20,000 below the national median.
Stolle Machinery, the leading manufacturer of can- and end-making machinery for the can-making industry worldwide, provided a backdrop for MacCallum to highlight one of Trump’s most loyal fan bases — the blue collar worker.
Michael Raderchak, vice president of global solutions at Stolle, said Fox News approached the company last week “out of the blue” to hold its show there. Since Saturday, the company worked to rearrange the factory equipment and clear a large opening for the audience and stage.
“Did it disrupt our business? Yes. Would we do it again? Yes,” Raderchak said. “We’re proud of manufacturing and proud of what we do.”
Raderchak was one of an audience of about 250 — 150 were employees of Stolle, while the other 100 were guests, many of whom were related to Stolle employees.
MacCallum focused most of the conversation around the economy, gauging the audience’s satisfaction with what has happened in the state so far. She was joined on stage by former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, and former nominee for Secretary of Labor Andy Puzder, along with Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken briefly.
“I don’t think he’s doing enough. He’s more worried about battling the Democrats on health care, more worried about fighting terrorism,” said John Finnegin, who works at Stolle. “I think there’s a lot who’ve given up on finding jobs in this area.”
Finnegin knows the battle with employment. Two months ago, before he was recruited to work at Stolle, he drove 2½ hours from his home in Harrison County every day to work in a manufacturing job near Pittsburgh.
“That tells you about jobs in this state,” Finnegin said.
Others in the audience, though, were pleased with Trump’s accomplishments so far.
Stolle employee Tammy Lindamood said she was laid off three times during Obama’s presidency. In that time, she said she cashed in her 401(k) and watched as her friends lost jobs, too.
“It’s stifling to be from Ohio and watch a president who comes in and gives so much hope,” Lindamood said.
The leaders at Stolle agreed Trump’s presidency has generated an air of optimism surrounding manufacturing jobs. Michael Larson, the COO of the company, said over the past few months, there has been more interest in Stolle from younger kids, “where, quite frankly, we haven’t seen that before,” he said.
Trump’s actions have yet to translate into progress for the company, though, which Raderchak said has experienced losses in sales since the dollar has gained strength in relation to foreign currencies.
Still, Raderchak said employment opportunities at the company have grown at 20 percent over the past four years, and he’s hopeful Trump will continue that growth with balance in trade deals and tax reform.
“We all need optimism and hope, but we also need action,” Strickland said. “I believe the president talks better than he acts … But it’s early. I want to give the president time to do what he said he was going to do, but I do have some concerns.”
Puzder talked about Trump’s reluctance to enter into a war with foreign countries, to which David Wheeler of North Canton responded with a shout from his chair, “That’s not true!”
“I think the people are deluded by … the messages on his campaign trail,” Wheeler said. “In the first 100 days, what have we seen of that? Nothing. I’m very concerned for our country.”
Still, the overall consensus proved favorable for Trump. MacCallum asked the audience to rate their satisfaction with Trump’s presidency as either disappointed, showing some concerns or strongly in favor of.
By the time she reached the final option, nearly every hand in the audience shot up in approval.
“Wow,” MacCallum said. “Hands up all around.”