Written & Edited by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
The Ohio 94th State Representative seat is on the ballot this election year. The incumbent representative, Republican Jay Edwards, has reached his term limit promoting two new candidates onto the ballot. Both the Republican candidate, Kevin Ritter, and the Democratic candidate, Wenda Sheard were invited to the McDonough Leadership Center for a debate hosted by Living Democracy on October 2nd. However, only Sheard was able to attend the debate.
Sheard states that she is for the people as the democratic candidate. She grew up in the Cleveland area, earning a bachelor’s in law from Cleveland State University in 1979 and her Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Texas in 2004. She has worked as an attorney in Athens County for 22 years working under judges of both political parties. She has also taught at Ohio University as well as local middle and high schools.
Regarding her policy’s she feels that our area must receive its fair share of government funding for roads and bridges, water and sewer, high quality internet and phone service. Further, Sheard feels that we need to support our local communities, the workers who build and maintain our infrastructure, and their unions. Sheard also wants accessible healthcare for every person in our district, without long waits or long commutes to see medical professionals. We need to support those in the medical professions with policies that allow them to better serve the people in our district. Lastly, she will fight for an efficient public school funding system in which every child has the same educational opportunities regardless of where the child lives in Ohio.
While Ritter did not attend the debate on October 2nd, he did visit Marietta College on October 16th. Here Ritter attended the Marietta College Republicans meeting in Thomas Hall to speak with the club as well as any others in attendance. Ritter has stated that he is prepared to ‘Embrace the Pioneer Spirit’ as the republican candidate for the 94th state representative.
Incumbent State Representative Jay Edwards endorsed Ritter stating, “I have seen what an effective and sincere advocate Kevin has been for our corner of the state. I know he will work just as hard to promote our interest as a state representative.”
Ritter was born and raised in the Detroit area and attended Central Michigan University where he graduated in 1990 with a History and Political Science degree. He moved to Washington County in 2000 with his wife and two kids and taught History and Government at various institutions.
Regarding the 2nd Amendment Ritter’s opinion is clear, to defend the 2nd amendment as it is the guarantor of all of our rights. Ritter is pro-life and believes that we must protect the sanctity of life from the conception of death. He wants to preserve what is best for the next generation. This includes addressing aging water and sewer systems as well as updating the quality of bridges and roads. In addition, he wishes to increase the accessibility of high-quality high-speed internet.
For more information regarding the candidates visit their respective websites at sheardforohio.com and ritterforohio.com.
Early voting has begun for the state of Ohio. This includes military and oversea absentee ballots, regular absentee ballots, and early in person voting. The general election is November 5th from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information contact your local board of elections.
