Former U.S. Rep among college faculty

Donald J. Pease isn't a stranger to politics, or to Oberlin.

Pease is a distinguished visiting politics professor who co-teaches a course entitled Electioneering: Theory and Practice and, before retiring in 1992, was a politician for 30 years, including 16 years in the U.S. Congress.

The electioneering class has been enjoyable for Pease. In the course, students are required to fashion mock elections and plan various campaigns.

"It has been exciting to bring students together with the practical reality of Lorain County politics," he said. "The students have enjoyed that and local people have as well. They have told me time and time again how much they enjoy talking with students."

Teaching was a natural progression for Pease as a politician. "Most politicians are frustrated teachers. We've accumulated knowledge which we're eager to pass on," he said.

Although retired from politics, Pease is keeping busy. Bicycle riding is one of his interests, although he says that he doesn't do it as much as he would like. He likes to take 15-25 mile rides in the country and has taken three bicycling tours in Europe.

Pease is getting familiar with computers, traveling and writing a weekly column for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. He and his wife travel about 12 weeks of each year. His favorite destinations have been New Zealand and Australia, which he visited the past two winters.

A native Ohio resident, Pease was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1931 and attended Ohio University. After leaving the army in 1957, he moved to Oberlin and became co-editor/publisher of the Oberlin News-Tribune.

Pease began his life of public service by serving on the Oberlin city council from 1961-1964 and later becoming an Ohio State Senator. After a term as a State Representative, in 1976 Pease became a representative to the U.S. Congress for Ohio's 13th district, a seat he held for 16 years. District 13 includes Oberlin and is currently served by the popular Sherrod Brown.

As an initiator of a movement in the 1980s for workers' rights in the third world international trade, Pease emphasized its importance within the 13th district, which is heavily reliant on industry.

"I was trying to stop the exploitation of workers and children," he said. "This district had been hit hard over the last 20 years from competition from imports. I was trying to tie in the work for rights in the third world with those of American workers who had lost jobs due to competition with low wage nations. Their suffering was causing Americans to lose their jobs," he added.

Pease sees the opportunity to work on tax-reform in 1986 as the high point of his political career. "We were in a strategic position in 1986 when Congress reformed the tax code," he said. "It was very complex. I sought to reduce taxes for [lower-income people] and to close dozens of tax loopholes by which the well-off evaded their fair share."

According to Pease, the biggest issue in politics now is decency in government. "The country made a big step when Gingrich quit last week. Livingston, who looks to be the next speaker, will be easier for Democrats to work with and as a result Congress will be more productive," he said.

When asked about the local elections, Pease said he is still hopeful for a liberal influence on Ohio politics. "The possibility that another Lee Fisher might be coming along in one of my classes pleases me," he said.

Lee Fisher, OC '73, recently lost a close race for Ohio governor.

Pease chose not to run for re-election in 1992 because he had just completed his 30th year in politics. He says he did not feel unhappy with his job or that he wasn't going to win. "I had open-heart surgery twice before and there were other things I wanted to do with life," he said. The day after announcing he would not run for re-election, Pease said the Dean of the College called and said "Don't teach any place else." Pease feels that the school has been very accommodating, and felt teaching at Oberlin would be more enjoyable than elsewhere. "I was attracted by the social commitment of the students.

Due to his vast experiences, students often come to his office for advice on getting a job in Washington, especially on Capitol Hill.

"Anybody should feel free to call. I'll be happy to sit down and talk," he said.

Don Pease: Professor is a former politician. (photo by Pauline Shapiro)