Welcome to the 2022 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.
This story focuses on the largely uncontested Aug. 2 primaries for five local state representative races and one state senate race. The Republican and Democratic winners will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballots.
Candidate responses are not edited. A few candidates chose to not respond.
A link to our complete interactive Summit County Voter Guide showing just races on your ballot can be found immediately below.
Voter Guide: See your customized ballot for your address
Training/Experience: Army Veteran with Tax Preparation, Private Security, and Youth Leadership Experience.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AndersonforAkron/
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? I am an Army Veteran who has attended 100+ events in the Akron area within the last year, donated thousands, and continue to attend events close to every single day. It is my responsibility as a candidate to know what issues you are facing so I can seek solutions. Please do not hesitate to call, email, or text me no matter your political affiliation. I care and I am here. As your State Representative, if I am elected, I will be in constant communication with my constituents both in the district and when I am working within the State House. As your State Representative, I will attend at least 2 monthly ward meetings every single month I am in the office to keep up with finding solutions. I will host a monthly town hall, send monthly newsletters, and respond to your call, text, or email in a REAL timely manner, a few days, not weeks. I will work directly with you to fix your issue, and if I cannot fix it, I will work to make sure you are led in the right direction.
Under what circumstances is it appropriate for the state to restrain or check local government? There are instances where a strong state government must get involved in addressing a local government's actions and inactions. In cases where there is a violation of the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Ohio, or the Ohio Revised Code. In cases where there are extremely weak on crime local officials allowing anarchy and destruction in a city, and in a few other cases if they come about. While writing about crime, it is extremely important to know and bring light to the fact that Ohio is currently in the top five states for human trafficking, as someone who has taken the Summit Victim Assistance Academy Course for Victim Advocates and is seeking to work with Hope & Healing, it is extremely important for Ohio to continue to increase their actions against Human and Drug trafficking, with or without local government official permission. Human Trafficking is a human rights issue that state officials can go over the heads of local governments to fight.
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? Our children are our future. Ohio children must receive the very best education we can provide. It is not okay for any school system to have a resounding F average grade level. We must have a swift correction to this issue and if the local board cannot fix the issue, legislators and the State School Board must step in, audit the school system, and seek solutions. I am a firm supporter of expanding school choice. School choice is not a partisan issue. It is not true that Ohio currently has complete school choice. Ohio has "Edchoice", a program that limits the ability for certain children to attend better schools based on a certain list of "designated public schools." I fully support the backpack bill which allows you as a parent to send your child to the local school or to take the money that would "follow the child" and have the ability to send your child to a school of your choice. True school choice, for you as a parent to choose the best education for your child.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? Ohio must become among the top in the clean energy industry. Ohio must also continue empowering and modernizing our other energy industries. Governor Mike Dewine just announced an increase in union jobs as as a result of Ford Motor Company bringing more EV production into Ohio. The clean energy industry is one to invest in and continue to improve but we all see what our current officials have done to our 401k's, life savings, rainy day funds, and so forth. Our current administration's goal to force America into electric vehicles obviously will not work if we can't afford basic necessities. A vote for a Republican is a vote for an America where you can afford basic necessities, afford to fill up your whole gas tank, and then save up to maybe one day afford an electric car if you want one. I am a fan of the Conservative Energy Network and am working to be involved in protecting our water, air, and land in the correct way for America.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? I believe in TOUGH on crime law enforcement and sentencing. It is an issue that officials would like to call out Republicans in front of their constituents but behind the back of their constituents advocate for serious offenders to be let out of jail with a very short sentence in relation to the gun crime they committed. For example, right here in Akron, there are multiple cases where there has been a shooting murder of a victim and then the court system turns around and provides a shorter jail sentence than the victim may have been able to experience life. These cases are easily searchable and the Judges that allow this to happen must be voted out swiftly as one of many steps for illegal guns off the streets, a safer Akron, and a safer community. A few city council meetings ago, an incredible man said that he has a firearm for self-defense and he would like to begin work on firearm education for the community hand in hand with Akron P.D as a legal gun owner, I stand with him.
Education: B.S. in Psychology from Emory University and JD from the University of Akron School of Law
Training/Experience: Practicing law since 1995. Trained in mediation and in CASA GAL work. Completed Public Leadership Academy at Ohio State and graduate of Leadership Akron
Website: https://www.taviagalonski.com/
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/StateRepresentativeTaviaGalonski
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? I am an experienced legislator with proven results. I have authored or co-sponsored dozens of pieces of legislation, which garnered bipartisan support. My strengths are in criminal justice reform and in securing womens equality. If re-elected, I intend to continue this work to make Ohio a better place for families to live work and retire.
Under what circumstances is it appropriate for the state to restrain or check local government? believe in home rule and I have watched it’s erosion in dismay. The best government for the people is the government that is closest to the people. I trust local government. The state should intervene only in matters of inequity, such as in school funding.
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? I would secure the full funding needed to fully implement the Cupp/Paterson plan recently adopted by the legislature. I would avoid the depletion of resources through voucher programs which historically have had poor oversight. Let’s keep public school funds where they belong: in public schools.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? Ohio has a huge resource in its waterways. I have worked on legislation and voted for legislation that would protect our water air and land. I believe it is important to safeguard these natural resources by making sure we do not put profit over our environment.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? Ohio needs to implement red flag laws and safe storage laws. Just these steps could make a big difference in suicide prevention. We do not currently offer citizens a viable option for safe removal and transfer of weapons no longer being used and which may be subject to theft. I would implement a program where families are encouraged to safely surrender weapons no longer in use or who’s owner is deceased.
Training/Experience: Attorney/Retired Firefighter
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattshaughnessyforstaterepresentative
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? The short answer is because I reflect the values of the people in District 32. My opponent had 2 years to do the same but instead he's voted not too expel the mastermind of Ohio's largest bribery scheme Larry Householder, he co-sponspred legislation to lower workers' wages on public projects, and he ran on a commitment to make abortion illegal in Ohio. I want government to work for all of us, I want all Ohioans to have an opportunity for a good paying job with health benefits and a decent retirement, and I want personal freedoms to become law, the freedom to choose when to have a family, the freedom to marry whoever you love, and the freedom from politicians deciding how you will live your life.
Under what circumstances is it appropriate for the state to restrain or check local government? It's very rare that the state government should preempt local governments from enacting legislation to protect their communities. Take for instance legislation supported by my opponent that restricts local governments from keeping Airbnb houses out of our single family residential neighborhoods. It's the local government that knows when something like this becomes a problem, not state government. And it's the local government who is responsive to the citizens that live there and can step in and protect the character of a neighborhood with local legislation. Columbus politicians, like my opponent are doing the bidding of special interests. I hope me opponent gets to experience the Ohio he's ruining. I hope his neighbor decides to Airbnb his house, maybe then he'll have a change of heart.
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? First I'd stop tax dollars meant for public schools from subsidizing private school tuition. As citizens of Ohio we have a responsibility to educate our children but we could do it so much better and for much less if we weren't subsidizing private schools. When I retire, I get it, I still have a responsibility to pay for public schools through my real estate taxes. But why in the world are my tax dollars being used for private school tuition? This is a baffling giveaway and another example of politicians like my opponent who answer to special interests and not the people. I have nothing against private schools, but doesn't the fact that they're called private schools actually mean something? They won't go out of business without our tax dollars so that's where I'd start.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? We have a responsibility to hand off this world to the next generation in as good or better condition as we've enjoyed it. That doesn't mean I'm not mindful of the sometimes conflicting interest of bringing and maintaining jobs and producing the things that keep our economy rolling with a strong commitment to fulfilling our responsibility to the environment. I believe we need politicians who see Ohio in a transition phase to cleaner energies and solutions to pollution while also understanding and avoiding adverse impacts on jobs while always moving forward.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? First I would repeal the permitless concealed carry law with its zero requirement for safety training. Let's be real here, we all know people who shouldn't have guns without safety training. Some of them are in our family some of them are friends. We care for these people but we also know nothing good can happen with them having a gun for concealed carry and no training. We need a training requirement.
Education: United States Air Force Academy, BS Management, MBA The Ohio State University
Training/Experience: Air Force Veteran, Hudson City Council 2015-2018, Ohio House of Representatives 2018-current. After leaving Active Duty, Casey joined Qbase, a data analytics company, where he was the top Business Developer to non-profit and government markets in both 2007 and 2008. Casey then led DOD Business Development and Operations at RhinoCorps, Ltd. Co., a simulation software firm. Prior to joining ServiceNow, Casey was an Area Vice President for Gartner, leading a team responsible for sales, marketing and business development activities for the US Air Force market.
Current Occupation: Director for ServiceNow, overseeing business development for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Casey maintains a Top Secret Clearance.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepWeinstein
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? As an Air Force Veteran, service has always been a way of life for me and for my family. As a Hudson City Councilman I always worked across the aisle to deliver for my constituents, and as your Ohio State Representative I have established a successful bipartisan track record of delivering results on infrastructure, clean water, and investing in first responders and in our communities. It will be my honor to continue to serve my community.
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? I was proud to co-sponsor a bipartisan comprehensive bill to overhaul the way public schools are funded that was signed into law. Properly funded schools are the first step to ensuring that a quality education is accessible to all students regardless of their skin color, zip code, religious beliefs, or income. I continue to stand against using taxpayer dollars meant for public schools to fund private and religious schools that are not subject to the same rigorous standards. I am strongly against government overreach and prefer to trust our teachers and administrators to implement a suitable curriculum. Our teachers have been through a tough few years and I will continue to fight against efforts to degrade their ability to teach the truth.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? I staunchly support efforts to protect our water, air and land. My track record speaks for itself. I was proud to vote in favor of a budget that included $170 million for the H2Ohio program geared at long term, sustainable, science-based, and cost effective protection of Ohio’s water resources, and $47 million for preservation of AEP ReCreation Lands that ensures accessibility and protection for almost 55,000 acres of land that were in jeopardy of being sold. My daughter Nora and son Brady suffer from asthma and poor air quality exacerbates their breathing issues. I am a vocal proponent of clean energy and reducing pollution to make sure the air is clean and safe for my family and for yours. I am working hard on my Energy Jobs and Justice bill that creates forward-looking energy policy that is good for our economy, our communities, and our health.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? I stand firmly against legislation that removes requirements for training and permits for concealed carry. The President of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police was quoted as saying “This isn’t putting public safety first and it’s not putting public safety officers first”. I strongly oppose arming teachers and bringing guns into classrooms. I am appalled that the response to yet another school shooting is to make it easier to bring guns into school. I have co-sponsored several bills aimed at making Ohians safer including raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21, banning bump stocks and other items that accelerate semi-automatic firearms, red flag laws, and implementing universal background checks. I will continue to fight for common sense gun safety.
Education: Rita is a graduate of Westlake High School and the ICM School of Business
Training/Experience: Rita has served on the Macedonia City Council and presently serves on the Summit County Council
Current Occupation: Office Manager for a local property management firm.
Website:https://www.ritadarrow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rita.jackson.5832
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? I've run successful campaigns in the past, winning elections over well-established incumbents. I've been effective in the public service positions to which I've been elected. I'm well known in my District as someone who is honest and who works hard for my constituents' interests. Ohio is ranked near the bottom on most economic and quality of life indicators. Our state is well below that national average household income. The employment gap by race is the sixth worse in the country. We are tied for having the most opioid overdose deaths per capita in the nation. All these issues are connected. When families are confident that they have steady incomes, access to good healthcare, that their children will be well educated and can live in a healthy environment, they don't resort to alcohol and drugs. When I'm elected, I'll work to support and sponsor legislation that meets the needs of working families, not the wealthy special interests.
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court found Ohio’s school funding system unconstitutional because it disadvantaged students of color and students whose families have low incomes. Last year, state legislators passed the Fair Funding School Plan, a significant step in the right direction toward addressing our state's poor performance in educating our children. On the other hand, the Plan is not yet fully funded and questions as to its equitable application across all districts remain. I'll work tirelessly to make sure that the plan is fully funded and that districts that need the most help benefit from the plan. Ohio's EdChoice Voucher program has not helped our children. EdChoice vouchers haven’t improved education through competition. On the contrary, by monetizing Ohio’s children, they have made it harder to provide the education our children deserve. I will work to make sure that Ohio doesn't spend another $1B on this failed program.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? As in so many other arenas, Ohio ranks low among the states with respect to the quality of our environment. I support full funding for the H2Ohio initiative that seeks to improve our wetlands and waterways. Still, more needs to be done to assure clean air and water for our families. Ohio is one of the ten worst states with respect to providing drinking water that comes from contaminated or untested sources. We need to improve our water infrastructure and to enforce drinking water laws more rigorously. We have the second worst air quality in the nation. Our children, in particular, suffer because of their developing lungs, high activity levels and high rates of asthma. I will support policies that move us away from dependence on fossil fuels and toward sustainable renewables.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? Common sense gun safety policies are supported by large majorities of Americans. Legislation that would prevent people with mental illnesses from purchasing guns, provide for universal background checks for gun buyers, create a database to track all gun purchases, ban high-capacity ammunition magazines, and restrict the sale of assault-type weapons are examples of such widely supported, common sense policies. I support and will work for legislation that achieves all these goals.
Education: BS in Accounting (Summa Cum Laude) Case Western Reserve University, MBA in Finance Weatherhead School of Management
Training/Experience: Certified Public Accountant, retired director of sales for Ameritech (AT&T)
Website: https://www.billroemer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roemerbill
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? For the last four years, it has been my honor to serve you as state representative. My background as a long-time community volunteer and extensive work experience and education provide me the ability to work on numerous issues improving the lives of Ohio families. Passing more bills, many with bi-partisan joint sponsors, in this 134th General Assembly than any other Representative is a demonstration of my work ethic. Serving as Chairman of the Health and Human Services Sub-Committee of Finance afforded me the opportunity to positively impact many social service programs for Ohio families. Additionally, I have worked diligently to implement the largest income tax reduction in the state of Ohio. If I am fortunate to be re-elected, I will continue to work diligently for families in the 31st district and all of Ohio.
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? As a member of the House of Representatives Finance Committee, I was proud to co-sponsor and vote for the Ohio Fair School Funding Plan. This equalizes funding and provides addition money to schools and districts across the state of Ohio, overhauling the state's previous school funding system. I proudly co-sponsored and voted for an additional $100 million to provide enhanced school security across Ohio. I will work diligently to continue to properly support schools across the state. As a substitute teacher for 16 years, I know how vitally important it is to support our teachers and students.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? Protecting Ohio's air, water, and land is of paramount importance. I proudly co-sponsored H2Ohio, a collaborative approach to protect Ohio's vitally important watersheds. The initial investment of $172 million has already led to significant increases in water quality. H2Ohio incorporates reducing phosphorus, creating wetlands, addressing failing septic systems, and preventing lead contamination, leading to cleaner water for every Ohioan. I was fortunate to have been able to participate in the Ohio Brownfield remediation funding for the former 215 acre Brandywine Golf Course which is now owned by the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This grant will return this environmentally sensitive tract of land to healthy conditions.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? I have met extensively with police across Ohio to see first hand the epidemic of gun violence. Just recently I participated in an operation with multiple agencies including the Youngstown Police, Ohio Highway Patrol, FBI, and ATF which led directly to the arrest of four fugitives and confiscation of two illegal guns. As a supporter of the 2nd Amendment, we need to ensure that our citizens are adequately able to protect themselves while removing guns from the hands of criminals.
Education: BA Seton Hill College; MD University of Pittsburgh
Training/Experience: 4 years of training in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry Board Certified in all 3
Current Occupation: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Website: https://www.electdrgoetz.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElectDrGoetz
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? I believe I’m the best candidate simply because I’m doing this for the right reasons. Too often now politicians forget about what their core job is… To serve the people that elected them. That means representing everybody. In my over 30 years as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I have done nothing but serve the public. It has taught me how to listen, be patient, and have empathy while focusing on the needs of others. Those experiences will be invaluable as I look to serve the people of Ohio on a grander scale. I’m doing this for my grandchildren’s future and the future of all the people of Ohio who I believe deserve much better than the current leadership.
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? Since the Fair Funding Plan is being phased in over five years, the commitment to this must be honored in each biennial budget in order to improve our public school system. Charter schools and private school voucher funding should not come out of the public school budget. There's also concern about funding being decreased by House Bill 126. This bill benefits the property owners since school boards will have more limited rights to seek higher values. This may significantly hurt school funding and in turn not improve the public schools. I would work to repeal House Bill 126. We must ensure consistent funding to improve our public schools. Another area that would improve public schools would be to reduce state-mandated testing that goes beyond what the US Department of Education requires. That would allow districts to spend more time on instruction. Anything that allows a teacher to focus on teaching improves public school education.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? I would continue to support the water conservation through the Great Lakes-St Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. This will build sustainable water use practices. We need to preserve clean water by increasing funding to communities. Cities and towns struggle dealing with toxic algae, fertilizer runoff, chemicals and PFAS. Reducing plastic use will decrease pollution also. Fossil fuel pollution continues to lead to an increase in smog, particulate matter, CO, lead, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and greenhouse gasses. We need to increase the use wind and solar energy instead of relying on fossil fuels. I support the use of electric cars with government incentives. Factories using “ scrubbers” on smokestacks can also help to combat air pollution. Unfortunately the Supreme Court decision on 6/30/22 will limit the EPA's ability to regulate carbon emissions from power plants. I would support land protection through conservation and environmentally responsible development.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? Unfortunately the legislature has passed some laws that do not promote gun safety. I would like to reinstate concealed carry permits, mandatory gun training, and mandatory liability insurance. I would also support red flag laws so when someone is deemed to be dangerous they cannot buy a gun. I also feel an individual should be 21 and have a background check in order to purchase a gun. I would support legislation that would ban automatic rifles such as an AR-15 and automatic handguns that can shoot multiple rounds. These weapons cause multiple casualties and are not the guns or rifles that are used for hunting. “Ghost” guns made from 3D printers should also be illegal.
Education: MBA University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business & BSME Mechanical Engineering Tufts University
Training/Experience: State Senator, State Representative, City Council, Small business owner, Management Consultant, Mechanical Engineer
Website: https://www.kristinaroegner.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electkristinaroegner
Why are you the best candidate for this seat? As your State Senator for the last 4 years I've enjoyed serving the people of Summit Co. to get real things done to benefit the people of Ohio. I bring significant experience from the private & public sector to bear to help solve real world problems. I truly enjoy listening to and interacting with everyone in my district. I've worked on a bipartisan basis to sponsor and pass 10 bills this General Assembly including legislation that will join Ohio to Occupational Licensure Compacts with other states for: Nurses, Doctors, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Counselors to name a few! This increases economic mobility for these professionals and access to care for Ohioans. Additionally I passed legislation to reduce the number of regulations in Ohio by 30% and legislation to lower Ohioans taxes. Re-elected I will continue to work hard for you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I invite you to learn more at kristinaroegner.com
How would you improve the Ohio public school system? All three of my daughters have (or will) graduate from our local public school. While in the General Assembly I have worked closely with our schools on everything from voting in favor of the Fair School Funding formula to sponsoring and passing legislation to create the Seal of Biliteracy which students can earn, to improving school safety by sponsoring legislation to allow door barricades in classrooms. Looking ahead to the next General Assembly, I intend to work with the National Council of State Legislatures to join Ohio to the Compact of States for licensed teachers. This will increase economic mobility for teachers, help our staffing and students alike! Education is vitally important to the future of our state and nation. Parents play a vital role in the education of their children and should work together with teachers as partners to educate their kids. We have to hold high academic standards to compete on a global basis.
Where do you stand on efforts to protect our water, air and land? I am strong proponent of protecting our water, air and land. We cannot mess this up as we only have one planet. A couple examples of my work to this end include: In the Ohio Senate I voted in favor of H2Ohio to protect our waterways and for funding to address brownfields. Also while on Hudson City Council I voted to purchase hundreds of acres on Hines Hill Rd which was dedicated to the Summit Co Metro Parks and is scheduled to have hiking trails developed this fall! We are blessed in Summit Co to have the Cuyahoga Valley National Park - which happens to be the ONLY national park in Ohio! My family and I enjoy hiking the trails and kyaking the river. These national, state and local parks preserve green space for enjoyment of people as well as the preservation of wildlife habitat! I strongly support preserving additional land for parks and will continue to support legislation to protect our water, air and land.
What legislation, if any, would you suggest to address gun safety? I am a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment and believe in the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. I also recognize that there is an epidemic of gun violence in our country and therefore support common sense reforms to address gun safety. For example, I introduced an amendment to a bill several years ago (which was adopted and signed into law) to prohibit the "Straw-man Purchase" of firearms. This means that it is now prohibited in Ohio for someone - who is allowed to purchase a firearm- to make the purchase and then turn around and sell the weapon to someone who otherwise would not be allowed to purchase firearms.