Training and Experience
Director of Community Learning and Leadership, Walsh University; Self-Employed Nonprofit Consultant; Director, Live Well Stark County; Development Director and Program Specialist, Arizona 4-H; Special Projects Manager, Stark Parks; HS Science Teacher, Jackson HS
Volunteer/Community Service
President, Louisville High School Swim Booster Club; Board Member, Ohio Foundation Quarter Horse Association; Education Committee Member, Stark County Housing Study
It is unfortunate that there is a national trend to restrict voting access while data consistently shows our elections are incredibly safe, especially from non-citizen voting which has made up roughly 0.00005% of Ohio votes in the last decade. The recent signature of SB 293 by Governor DeWine creates new barriers to voting and additional administrative requirements for the Ohio Secretary of State.
If elected, I would vote against proposed legislation that restricts voting options such as mail-in ballots including current SB153 and HB 233 which are aligned with the federal SAVE act. I would work on policy that supports public education programs on the topic of elections for current and future voters as well as initiatives that create more opportunities to participate in elections.
I believe we need tax reform that ensures we are all paying our fair share. For some of our neighbors, the burden of taxes is too much and is a threat to their thriving. I would consider support for expansions of programs helping those most at risk of losing basic needs due to tax burdens out of their control. Earned Income Tax Credits and Homestead Exemption for example may need to be expanded based on the current economy.
We should ensure we are collecting a fair percentage from higher income earners and corporations. For example, landowners could receive incentives if they make improvements that reduce blight or are more reduce the strain on our utility grid. We have to also recover tax dollars that are waived for development when the payoff for a community doesn’t materialize.
We should continue to push minimum wage to match inflation and invest in job creation for companies in Ohio, building opportunities for families.
To address utility costs I would focus on regulation of the utilities, who operate as virtual monopolies, to prevent incentivizing massive returns and overspending. I will push for regulation of data centers to cover their own costs to protect consumers from increases.
Housing costs can be reduced through incentivizing construction with collaborative permitting and reduction in regulation when not aligned with current best practices can help.
I support the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act which seeks to break up monopolies, the Fair Pricing Act which seeks to stop collusion and price fixing, and efforts to streamline the food supply chain.
We first need to stop undermining the stability and reputation of our public education. We are constitutionally obligated to provide public options. This means we need to return the funds given to private pipelines and create fair equations to support each district and reduce the increased responsibility of local taxes.
Districts deserve more than a few years of stability to develop the curriculum, resources, and teachers to deliver educational experiences that prepare our youth for a dynamic future. Students deserve innovative learning whether headed to the workforce, skilled trades, or higher education.
Beyond a basic degree, students seeking the trades and higher education should be supported with fair financial aid to help reduce the burden of these first steps toward their careers
As State Rep I would continue to do what I have done for 15 years, which is work to help the community by creating spaces at the table to solve problems. I’ve wanted elected leaders to listen to me regardless of their party and I would expect others would want the same from me if elected.
I have experience finding common ground and building common good. When I work on social, environmental, or economic issues, I focus on recruiting people who care to make a difference, participate in challenging debate, and respect differences.
Many of our issues affect conservative and liberal families. Regardless of your party, you should be concerned about creating a future that will allow the next generation to work, secure housing, and raise their families. If we can start there, we have a chance.
