Editor’s note: As the primary election approaches, the Journal-Tribune is featuring coverage of contested races in the area.
Today’s edition features statements submitted by Melissa Ackison and Bill Reineke, the two republican candidates competing for State Senator for the 26th District, which includes Sandusky, Seneca, Wyandot, Crawford, Morrow, Marion and Union counties.
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Melissa Ackison, 41, said she is a business owner, hobby farmer of cows and chickens and conservative activist.
“For the first time in a long time, the hard working folks of district 26 will have an accessible Constitutional Conservative Republican who is a proven voice of the people.
2019 the state of Ohio closed the year with record spending and negative job growth. 2020 is off to more of the same political rhetoric that landed us in the position we are in today with bloated budgets and intrusive government growth infringing upon our lives.
Ohio currently leads the charge in human trafficking. The opiate epidemic continues to spiral out of control and we rank as the fourth most over regulated sate just under New York and California. We are the heartland and this is God’s country. Our people deserve so much more.
As a Constitutional Conservative Republican with a proven background building successful private sector businesses through effective policy and meeting budgets coupled with my background as a business owner, we have an opportunity to actually facilitate change for the people that we’ve never seen before. Many of our representatives have no business experience, have never worked a job and simply eat at the Government trough while trying to advance to their next elected position.
I am the only candidate in this race 100% funded by the people. I’ve turned away any special interest donations and lobbyist funds and I’ve worked for the last 14 months, 7 days a week to earn my contributions the honest way to always keep my allegiance to the people and what’s best for our interests.
As a business owner, a military parent and having children in the public school systems, I have skin in the game that the political class simply doesn’t t care about. I’m emotionally invested in our district and the people who love this country as much as I do.
Ohioans are sick of working to death and being overtaxed by politicians who haven’t been good stewards of our hard earned money. I’m the only candidate who has stood proudly with President Trump from the beginning and had an opportunity to work with him and our Vice President personally in 2017 on healthcare reform. I am the only candidate in this race who’s rated as the most Constitutionally Conservative. I’m the only candidate with a track record of protecting the unborn, fighting back against unconstitutional gun grab programs and have testified on behalf of bills to keep Ohio’s children safe from radical agendas in the schools and free from sexual exploitation. All Republicans aren’t cut from the same cloth and a record of how I’ve worked to raise my campaign funds from my supporters is a direct testament of my loyalty to the people I’m responsible to serve. My constituent base doesn’t include the special interests and my word is my bond. Ohio deserves a woman who knows how precious our Republic and our country is and the time for Brave, Bold, Unapologetic leadership is now. In God We Trust, Melissa Ackison Conservative Republican, Ohio Senate District 26.”
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Bill Reineke, 65, said he is the owner of Reineke Family Dealerships and a state representative.
“My name is Bill Reineke, and I am a resident of Tiffin, Ohio where I have lived for more than 35 years. I am a proud father of two wonderful daughters and soon-to-be grandfather. I ran for State Representative in my home county 6 years ago because I was frustrated with the way in which our government was working. I believed that government needed to be run more like a business, and thought I had the experience to better represent the people of my district.
I am the owner of a successful family business that now employs more than 450 people. I know how to create jobs and manage large budgets. And I know how government can overreach into our lives and make things more difficult for all of us. As a State Representative, I have fought to shrink the size of government and have delivered results. Ohio has maintained a balanced budget while growing our rainy-day fund. And we have been able to cut the taxes of hard-working Ohioans for each of the last four budget cycles. In addition, I have fought to protect the unborn; I have a 100% pro-life voting record including cosponsoring the Heartbeat Bill last year and have been endorsed by Ohio Right to Life. I am an ardent supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights; I have a 100% voting record on the 2nd Amendment and have been endorsed by the NRA and Buckeye Firearms Association. And I hope to continue fighting for conservative issues as your State Senator.
Ohio’s economy is doing better than ever because we are easing the burden on businesses by cutting regulations and taxes. We need to continue reform with our workforce development programs and education systems here in Ohio to successfully keep up with the rapid change in technology. Many students are falling through the cracks and we need to offer them the opportunity to find their purpose, here in Ohio, through obtainable credentialing that provides the best pathway for them. Collaborative higher education programs that promote internships, apprenticeships, and other degree stacking opportunities can provide for reduced or no college debt. We need to continue to reduce barriers and the stigma of career technical programs and train our students and adult workforce for jobs that are available today.
Union County has tremendous opportunities available with the growth that is occurring. However, that growth can present challenges as well. As your Senator, I will work to improve transportation throughout the county. And I will ensure that Union County continues to be represented well at the Statehouse. I am honored to have received the endorsement of our current Senator, Dave Burke.
I ask for your vote on March 17 so that I can fight for you in the State Senate. I am a conservative businessman who is qualified to represent you in Columbus. I will provide our region with Jobs, Leadership, and Solutions.”