Candidate for
State Representative; District 34

Value People

Human dignity is the basis of civil society and government. Whether inspired by divine or natural law, the self-evident truth that all persons are created equal as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, stands above the legislative authority of government and the rhetoric of politics.

People must be at the center of public policy. Lower taxes, efficient government, effective social programs and all other political goals are subservient to the need to serve the common good. It is not enough to zealously advocate an ideology, as a legislator, I must consider the practical implications on the lives of people.

Value Education

A quality education is the necessary birthright of every American. Genuine Democracy, true citizenship, and economic prosperity are impossible without an educated public. Nearly 2 million children are enrolled in Ohio's schools, with only 200,000 in non-public schools. Any plan for educational success must emphasize our shared responsibility to the public school system.

Parents have the primary responsibility to educate their children. Parents and guardians must be empowered to make the decisions that produce and encourage a quality education for their children. The best predictor of academic achievement is loving, concerned and caring parents who expect success.

The focus of education must be the children. The needs of our children are the first priority. Investments in basic infrastructure must be made to create an environment that allows learning.

Better teachers make better students. Human experience cannot be replaced by standardized tests. Only skilled, trained and competent teachers can recognize and meet the individual needs of students. Any investment in teachers is by extension an investment in our children.

The measure of classroom success is the lifetime success of the students. The ratio of students passing standardized tests is meaningless if students don't leave school with the life skills that lead to productive and fulfilling careers. The common sense test of Ohio's educational system is whether it produces the talented workforce needed to restore a robust economy.

Value Work

When functioning properly, the economy serves the needs of people. We have earned our share of the productivity and prosperity resulting from our hard work. Profits for companies and stakeholders are a good thing, but the desire for profits should not come before the needs of people.

Work means more than a paycheck. Our work is what we contribute to our community. There is dignity in work; therefore the dignity of work and rights of workers must be protected. State government has a central role in defending our opportunity to benefit from initiative, risk and hard work.

Value is measured in more than dollars. American markets have over the years added the value of workplace safety to products made in Ohio. A value has been assigned to environmental standards. Long ago we eliminated child and slave labor in Ohio. When an Ohio job is sent to other places, much of that value is stripped out. Is there any wonder we import tainted food and toys from countries that have undercut our jobs?

Value Communities

Families are the foundation of our community. We are all looking for a clean, healthy and safe place to raise our children.

Communities rise and fall with the families in them. One abandoned home impacts an entire street. The decline of a street impacts the entire community. The economic security of our communities is threatened by instability in the housing market. I will fight to protect our neighborhoods from the current wave of predatory mortgage lending and home foreclosures that threatens to send even the strongest communities into decline.

Communities are not islands onto themselves. Civic pride in the communities of the 34th District is well deserved and commendable. But we should not lose sight of our place in the larger community. The health of Cincinnati's downtown and adjacent neighborhoods directly affects our communities. The reputation, economic health and cultural life of our region is important to attract the employers and businesses that fuel our prosperity.