Training and Experience
27-year Retired Cincinnati Police Department, 5 years as Executive Director Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, 8 years Cincinnati City Council 8 years Ohio Senate and currently in my 3rd year in the Ohio House cil
Volunteer/Community Service
I've served in numerous volunteer and community service capacities, Meals on Wheels, Freestore Food Bank, Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) Citizens on Patrol etc.
Ohio legislators continue to pass legislation making voting more difficult. Their reasoning is to prevent voter fraud and to assure fair and accurate elections despite Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, stating at the close of 2024, "I am proud to announce yet another 99.9% (voter) audit accuracy rate, and a 100% rate for all 88 counties relative to the Presidential race."
Given the consistency over the years of 99.9% accuracy, I would reverse any voter laws or policy changes passed post 2024. I would restore the absentee Ballot Grace Period to pre-2024. I would restore the 7-day grace period to cure a provisional ballot. I would restore county Boards of Election's authority to decide the number of drop boxes needed, just to name a few.
The first and most important taxes reform should be, "PROPERTY TAX REFORM." It funds our Schools, Homestead Exemptions for Seniors and several other, quality of life programs. The problem is property values are increasing forcing higher property taxes. However, property owner's incomes remain flat, causing a strain on the ability to pay the increased property tax. We can explore lowering the sales tax while at the same time expanding the tax reach to include a tax on services. Currently, Ohio's tax only applies to goods. In today's technological world, many services go untaxed over the internet, including digital, legal, consulting etc. There are numerous service transactions that could and or should be taxed. Lowering the sales and property taxes is good for jobs and the economy.
I would start by identifying and focusing on the basic overall drivers of the rising cost of living. The first and most expensive need is shelter/housing. I would place an extensive effort into increasing the affordable housing stock and partner with the State and Federal to address low-income housing. I would also, focus on reducing the property burden by focusing on including a service tax. And I would push for a livable wage that includes voucher assistance for childcare.
My priorities are to assure an opportunity for a quality education for all students. For the K-12, I would fund each school district based on the economic wealth of the district by fully implementing the Fair School Funding Plan of 2021. A wealthier district would receive less than a poorer district. Poorer districts struggle to survive due to lower property values. The state share for these districts should be higher and based more on the needs of the student and less on local real estate value.
Regarding higher education, more emphasis should be placed on college credit plus in high schools. Students may enter college with possibly one or more years of college credits. I would increase Ohio's College Opportunity Grant focusing more on Community Colleges and Workforce Development.
I would start by encouraging all my colleagues to consider enrolling in the 2026 Council of State Governments National Chair Leadership Initiative: Service with Civility. I completed a very similar program during my time in the Senate. It teaches higher standards of public discourse, prioritizing respectful dialogue, and focusing on policy driven solutions rather than personal attacks. Its core principals are, acting with integrity, compassion, and honesty; treating all people with dignity; listening to opposing viewpoints; and rejecting political violence.
I would also encourage members to get to know one another on a personal level. Upon entering the Senate, I scheduled a personal meeting with each of my Republican colleagues, to build relationships and find common ground.
