Training and Experience
2 years Ohio Senate. 2 years in Ohio House of Representatives
I would advocate against any and all forms of voter suppression in my state. I would also call for an expansion of voting access. That would start with abolishing the recent changes to absentee ballots. I would advocate for an increase in polling stations. And finally I would work toward making Election Day a statewide holiday recognized officially so people might have the day off work to increase availability for voter participation. I would also do my part in continuing to educate the public on the importance of civic engagement and voter registration. Our goal should be increased voter participation and turnout, Not lower.
I am an advocate of a progressive tax policy that would aim to tax Ohio’s highest earners, the millionaire class or 1 percent an increased share to ease the burden on lower income earners who pay an unfair proportion of their income in taxes. The greatest tax burden falls on the middle class and I have no intention of being quiet about it while we pass a flat tax rate that overwhelmingly benefits the ultra wealthy who didn’t need a tax break.
I believe that we should have a standardized Livable wage in Ohio. One that is high enough for people to have one job and pay all of their necessities. I also believe that there should be protections in place to prevent corporations and companies from price gauging citizens after they finally receive a livable wage. Price controls are a scary word to corporations but we need regulation to prevent predatory companies and corporations from taking advantage of situations like they did during the pandemic. If we implement a livable wage in Ohio with the necessary protections in place I truly believe it will be the most transformational piece of legislation in the last 50 years of the state.
I am a big proponent of skilled trades so I would like to see a return of life skills in our schools like Home-Ec. I personally teach a basic vehicle maintenance program to driving age teens so they might learn the basics of taking care of their future vehicle. It’s important that we highlight how important basic life skills are for our students. I also have a program called Daquan’s Students of Ohio and Forever Curios. Both programs teach kids the importance of Civic engagement, the power of their voice and vote, critical and independent thinking skills, media literacy, and more. My priorities with education are to make sure that every child has access to a meal while they attend a school in Ohio and that when they leave school the have a skill that may help them be their best selves.
During these trying times it is difficult to navigate the political tribalism that has taken hold of our public and legislature but my experience with working in both Republican and Democratic representative offices makes me uniquely suited and navigating bipartisanship. I am always willing to have conversations and hear unique perspectives on key issues while simultaneously standing firm against bad actors who have no interest in honest or productive conversation. My work and campaign is centered around the motto, “There is more that connects us than divides us” and I truly believe that we have the capacity to come together and solve our problems, it is just that it’s far more profitable and politically beneficial for some if we don’t come together at all.
Training and Experience
Cox Media Group, Circulation Director. Retired 2012. REALTOR, Licensed in Ohio since 2013. Clayton, OH: Mayor (8 years), City Council (2 years), Planning Commission (1 year). 10+ years of Diversity training; Diversity Council (inaugural member, Cox Media, 5 years), Dayton Dialogue on Race Relations (2 years), Diversity and Inclusion Committee (Dayton Area Board of REALTORS, Chair, 3 years).
Volunteer/Community Service
Joint Economical Development District (JEDD): Work with City of Clayton and Clay Township to collaborate on common economic issues. 6+ years. Still active. Dayton Convention Center: Vice-Chair (4 years), Chair (2 years).
I will work to make voting easier for all Ohioans. First, I would introduce a bill to nullify the recently passed Bill 293 that changes the Mail-In ballots. Ballots should be counted on the day they are mailed...not the day received. Second, I would vote 'No' on the Save America Act. I will never vote on any legislation that makes it harder to vote or restricts voters from have access to the polls. Third, I support Campaign Finance reform. Our current laws allow the wealthy and PACS to determine our election outcomes. Fourth, I would eliminate gerrymandering in Ohio. Our current system allows for political parties to change the boundaries of many voting districts, hence, slanting the outcome of the election to one party or another.
Property taxes in Ohio need reform. Currently, they are based on valuation. As the values of property rise, the taxes rise. Valuation is a flowed measure because it is based on averages and formulas. Because our public school financing (declared unConstitutional) needs reformed badly, school districts have been forced to pass levies. Property taxes help finance the Charter schools in Ohio, while taking away tax money from the public schools. This has become a vicious cycle. Expanded Homestead Exemptions would help the elderly in Ohio. Currently, we are running people out of their homes due to high taxes. A cap on tax increases is needed. Possibly tie property taxes to the rate of inflation. Hidden taxes need to be limited and capped; ie, service, hotel, or district taxes.
Reduce tariffs. The costs are actually taxes that importers and businesses pass on to consumers. We are in a global economy and we need to reduce the costs of doing business with other countries and states. Property tax reform would greatly help the COL increases. The recent increased cost of delivering utilities (electricity) has put a huge burden on owners and businesses. Many of the increases can be linked to price gouging by the utility companies. Profits should be capped on utility companies that are acting as Independent, but are actually monopolies. Credit card interest costs need to be capped. Some companies are charging up to 30% interest. Credit card debt is a trap that is hard to get out of. The cost of insurance needs to capped. Currently, many go without insurance.
We need to get Ohio back into the Top 5 ranking in the US. We were there just 10 years ago. We are now ranking in the mid-30s. Charter Schools and for-profit schools are siphoning tax money meant to support Public Schools. Most are accepting tax money and reporting lower scores academically. Teachers need the time and tools to teach our students. Many schools districts have had to cut budgets, reduce staff, and require more work outside the classroom. We need to keep politics and religion out of the classroom and focus more on critical skills and thinking so our students are ready for further learning and earning. Our colleges and universities need to reduce the cost for in-state students. Focus on quality education that can allow graduates to learn and earn at the next level.
I believe our current hyperpartisan climate should be addressed through communication, collaboration, and finding common ground. Many confrontations in the state house start with pork barrel legislation. One party wants specific items included that conflicts with other party's goals. Clear and concise bills could allieviate some partisanship. We need to elect leaders that can work with those on the other side of the aisle. We must refrain for electing those with extreme or radical ideas if we want to move legislation forward. As Ohioans, we all share many of the same goals and outcomes. I suggest we focus on common ground. Even the most conflicted relationships can find something we can agree on. As relationships and trust are built, we may be able to tone down the rhetoric.
