Training and Experience
Nearly 40 years of experience working as an environmental engineering in both the private and public sectors. Currently serving as a compliance engineering with The Ohio State University
Volunteer/Community Service
Currently serving on the leadership council for Citizens for Democracy of Marion, Ohio (Indivisible) & on Board of the Marion County Historical Society; Served on Board of Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) & as a reader for the blind
I would greatly simplify the voter identification requirements needed to vote. Any state issued picture ID should be acceptable, and I would also consider accepting other forms of ID, including university and employment IDs. The problems with our election system do not involve voter fraud, it involves voter apathy. As a poll worker, I know how hard the Boards of Election work to keep our elections safe and fair.
I would also introduce and/or support legislation that makes elections, including primary, special, and general elections, a paid holiday as well as make certain early voting and mail-in voting are still available to all registered voters.
I would eliminate the voucher program the drains funds needed for public schools. Furthermore, I would review all state programs to help eliminate waste and abuse and possibly propose the elimination of entire programs if the programs' goals are not clearly defined or, if defined, not being achieved.
I would also revise the tax code so that our wealthier citizens are paying their fair share of income taxes. Furthermore, I would revise how local taxes are distributed.
However, I also increase funding for infrastructure improvement, including funds for: repairing roads and bridges; updating and repairing potable water and wastewater systems; improving and increasing green spaces; and the installation of renewable energy sources; and upgrading electrical transmission mains.
I would consider reducing the sales tax, possibly enacting a state maximum total sales tax, on various items. I would also introduce legislation to provide "tax-free" days when sales taxes are not charged, with certain exceptions (alcohol, tobacco for example). This would also include the state taxes charged per gallon of gasoline.
In addition, through eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, my goal would be to reduce property taxes to be more in line with the national average, and possibly below it.
Unfortunately, the affordability crisis is tied to the price of oil, and there is little more that can be done on the state level, that I am aware. However, I will always consider new ideas to make Ohio more affordable.
I would eliminate the voucher system and put those tax-payer dollars back into the public-school systems, where they belong. I would also work to increase teacher salaries in the public-school system.
I would also consider reducing or waiving state funded student loans for teachers and would provide grants (not loans) for students who intend to study education and become teachers. Such grants will have to be paid back if the recipient changes their college major or ends up not going into education.
I would work closely with my colleagues across the aisle by listening to their concerns and trying to make compromises that can get legislation passed without the vitriol.
The current hyper partisanship is detrimental to our country. We must return to working together and compromising if our democracy is going to survive.
