Training and Experience
I spent over 40 years as a Human Resources Executive for great companies in southwest Ohio. I led people through challenging mergers and acquisitions, worked with teams to develop successful strategies, and created programs to develop future leaders. I learned how to develop relationships with a variety of individuals, solve problems, work collaboratively to come to consensus and create engaging work environments.
Volunteer/Community Service
Treasurer for Brain Injury Association of Ohio; frequent poll worker over the last six years; Working as a consultant for a local non-profit.
The first thing I would do is allow mail in ballots to be counted if the post marked the day before the election. Regardless of when the ballot shows up at the BOE it should be counted. Next, I would ensure the current guidelines for voting in person stay in place and I would repeal any changes if the SAVE act is approved. Our elections are very safe and the false narrative being pushed is a guise to restrict voting and create fear. I would push for more secure drop boxes throughout the county to make it easier to vote. I would also propose that election day should be moved to a Saturday to allow more people to easily vote in person without having to worry about time away from work.
It is time to develop a new approach for our property tax system and introduce new guidelines. Our focus on priorities like properly funding our public schools as the current planned reductions are only going to force school boards to have to introduce additional levies. I would implement property tax relief for household below a certain income level, expand the homestead exemption and eliminate property taxes for disabled veterans injured while serving our country. We need to restore the 3.5% income tax rate for the top 30% (recently reduced by the republicans). We need a fair income tax that doesn't only benefit upper income individuals. Lastly, Ohio businesses pay one of the lowest property tax rates in the country and they need to pay their fair share.
There are several ways we can address the rising cost of living. First, we need to reform zoning laws and create incentives for home builders to profitably develop affordable housing. Second, we should not remove 500,000 Ohioans from Medicaid, as doing so would only drive up health insurance costs. In addition, we need to evaluate the implementation of a health care–for–all system.
The state must help reduce childcare costs by expanding eligibility for state funding, providing tax credits to families, and offering financial support to increase wages for childcare workers. In addition, we should make strong investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to help lower utility costs. Finally, we need to hold elected officials accountable when they only support wealthy donors.
We need to get politicians out of the classroom. We have too many legislators pushing their own agendas and acting like they know better than teachers on how to run a classroom. We need to let the teaching experts develop the curriculum. As mentioned before, proper school funding is needed and I will introduce legislation to increase state support so our schools can focus on educating our children. Third, I will push to repeal SB1 which put restrictions on public universities regarding DEI, subject matter and bargaining power for teachers. The incumbent for District 37 is leading the charge on this issue, so we need to vote him out. Lastly,I will reverse the recent barrage of laws forcing religion into the classroom. Public classrooms are not the place for religious instruction.
Throughout my 40-year career, I worked on building relationships with individuals as well as work teams. I have seen the benefits when people listen to diverse viewpoints and then work together to come to a consensus. Politics has become an us against them culture and has caused destructive behaviors on both sides. I think Ohioans are tired of the bitter fighting and want a government that works for them. Once in office I will get to know other legislators on a personal as well as professional level. I will seek out the common ground and work together to introduce bi-partisan legislation that benefits all Ohioans.
Training and Experience
Certified Fiduciary & Investment Risk Specialist (CFIRS)
Volunteer/Community Service
Greater Dayton Young Dems Board Member, Centerville Washington Township For Democracy Volunteer
When you Hire Herner for your statehouse, I will work on easing the new restrictions at the ballot box in Ohio. Ohio's voting and elections policies have been under attack for the last several years by politicians who want to make it harder for us to vote. When you Hire Herner for your statehouse I will:
*Expand early voting deadlines.
*Add more ways to register to vote.
*Offer more secure ID options for voting.
*Increase the number of secure ballot drop-boxes in each county.
*Extend the post-election acceptance window for mail-in ballots.
Please read more at www.TomForOhio.com!
When you Hire Herner for your statehouse, I will work on solving Ohio's income tax and property tax headaches. Ohio is facing some of the highest property taxes in the nation. At the same time, our legislature is phasing out income tax and taking municipal tax dollars from our cities. When you Hire Herner for your statehouse I will:
*Champion efforts to bring meaningful solutions to the property tax problem.
*Reduce the tax burden of retirees and fixed income earners through the homestead tax exemption.
*Renovate the municipal tax code and restrict the state's control over municipal income tax collection.
*Return Ohio to a multi-tier income tax system.
When you Hire Herner for your statehouse, I will work on addressing the cost of living crisis. Ohioans are facing higher prices everywhere, from major purchases like a home or a car to utilities and groceries. When you Hire Herner for your statehouse I will:
*Be a voice for working families, first.
*Work to address the utility crisis Ohioans face by holding utility companies accountable to the people. *Introduce state incentives to reduce childcare costs for Ohioans starting a family.
*Reduce regressive taxes like sales & use tax.
*Stop illegal tariffs from wrecking our economy.
*Expand Grants for Grads homebuyers program to include downpayment assistance.
When you Hire Herner for your statehouse, I will work on strengthening our public schools and universities. Ohio public schools have been decimated by our legislators and state-level politicians. When you Hire Herner for your statehouse I will:
*Return Ohio to the bi-partisan Fair School Funding Plan, which will fund our schools in accordance with the Ohio Constitution.
*Reduce the anti-public education voucher system that siphons billions of dollars away from Ohio public schools annually.
*Work to repeal anti-public education legislation like my opponent's flagship legislation: The Higher Education Destruction Act (SB1).
*Promote legislation to increase public school attendance rates.
*Generate opportunity through in-state public university scholarships for Ohio residents.
When you Hire Herner for your statehouse, I will work across the aisle where possible to create opportunities to promote civility in political discourse. Politics in America has become increasingly polarized in the last 30 years and it's time to put an end to that. When you Hire Herner for your statehouse I will:
*Work with members of both parties to seek common ground and promote fair and honest discussions.
*Introduce bi-partisan legislation to solve problems Ohioans face.
*Invite collaboration with constituents and legislators of all political backgrounds & beliefs.
*Be a vocal opponent of all forms of political violence.
*Hold regular town halls to seek input from you and your neighbors.
