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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Ohio House District 89

No. to be elected: 99 | Salary: $68,674 | Term: 2 yearsResponsibilities: To represent the people of the district and the State of Ohio in dealing with matters not allocated to the federal government.

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    Easton Retzke
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What changes would you make, if any, to voting and elections policy?

What type of tax reform, if any, would best serve Ohio?

How would you address concerns about the rising cost of living?

What are your priorities for K-12 and higher education?

How would you reduce hyperpartisanship and promote civility?

Twitter/X @retzke4repoh89
Training and Experience Experienced in political research, public outreach, and grassroots organizing.
Volunteer/Community Service Active in community engagement and voter outreach efforts in Erie County and Ohio House District 89. Regularly attends local civic events and community meetings and works to encourage greater civic participation, especially among young voters.
Ohio should focus on election policies that ensure accessibility, transparency, and public confidence. One priority is making sure county boards of elections have the resources they need to administer elections effectively, since they manage voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, and Election Day operations. Continued investment in secure election infrastructure is also important. Practices such as paper ballot backups, post-election audits, and transparent reporting help maintain trust in the system. Finally, strengthening civic education can help voters better understand how elections work and why participation matters. When people trust the process and feel informed, voter participation and confidence in democratic institutions both increase.
Ohio’s tax system should ensure that prosperity in our state benefits everyone, not just those at the top. In recent years, large corporations and the wealthiest individuals have received significant tax breaks and incentives while many communities continue to struggle to fund schools, infrastructure, and public services. Those policies deserve closer scrutiny. When tax incentives are granted, they should be tied to measurable outcomes like job creation and long-term investment in Ohio communities. If those results are not delivered, the incentives should be reevaluated. A stronger and more balanced tax structure would ensure that the biggest beneficiaries of Ohio’s economy contribute their fair share to maintaining the public systems that make that growth possible.
The rising cost of living is a major concern for families across Ohio. Housing affordability is a key issue, as many communities have not built enough housing to meet demand. Encouraging responsible development and expanding affordable housing options can help stabilize costs. Healthcare affordability also plays a significant role in household expenses, so policies that expand access to affordable coverage are important. At the same time, strengthening workforce development and education programs can help workers access better-paying careers. Addressing the cost of living requires both improving affordability and expanding economic opportunity so families have the financial stability needed to plan for the future.
Education is one of the most important investments Ohio can make in its future. My priority for K-12 education is ensuring public schools have the resources necessary to provide high-quality instruction, safe facilities, and strong support services for students. Career and technical education should also be expanded so students can explore pathways in fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades. In higher education, affordability is a major concern. Increasing state support for public colleges and universities and strengthening financial aid programs can help students complete their education without excessive debt. Strong schools and accessible higher education help prepare students for successful careers while strengthening Ohio’s workforce.
Reducing political polarization requires focusing on practical solutions rather than ideological conflict. Many of the issues facing Ohio communities, such as education funding, infrastructure, and economic development, are not inherently partisan and benefit from collaboration. Transparency and open communication can also help build trust between elected officials and the public. When people understand how decisions are made and feel their voices are heard, it becomes easier to bridge political divides. Leaders also have a responsibility to set the tone for respectful dialogue. Civility does not mean avoiding disagreement, but it does mean approaching those disagreements with respect and a willingness to listen in order to find common ground.