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STEUBENVILLE, OHIO -- Despite opposition, Gov. John Kasich says he knew a year ago that he would move his annual State of the State speech out of Columbus.

During his address yesterday, the governor said he chose the city of Steubenville because of its top-ranked elementary school, Wells Academy. The school was able to achieve high marks without a big budget.

"The Cleveland business community and the mayor are committed to very comprehensive and unbelievable reform," The Plain Deal quoted Gov. Kasich. "If we can get Republicans and Democrats working together, we can change urban education in Ohio and urban education in America."

Gov. Kasich went on to tell lawmakers to steer clear of mindless partisanship and find common ground. He also said the state will never give up underlying control of the Ohio Turnpike and is working on ways for felons to obtain jobs in certain professions after prison.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)