Editor’s note: These stories represent the second installment in a three-part series detailing issues and candidates appearing on the March 19 ballot in Union County. Saturday’s Journal-Tribune will profile candidates for sheriff.
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Tracy Richardson said her service as state representative comes down to three words: faith, family and freedom.
Richardson, 59, who is a U.S. Army Reservist along with the current representative for District 86, said she believes she is the right person to continue in this role because her servant leadership is rooted in a commitment to the community.
She noted that she and her family moved to Marysville 26 years ago “and quickly realized we wanted to make Marysville our forever home.”
“Our boys lived on the Elite, FC42 and MHS soccer fields. We spent years watching tennis, plays, band and show choir performances. Wonderful days of scouting, volunteering and church activities also filled our days,” Richardson said.
She is a United States Military Academy graduate, combat decorated soldier, wife and mother of three sons, former corporate leader and college instructor and nine-year member of Marysville City Council.
“Since my first election, I have done my best to serve with integrity and to make a difference,” Richardson said.
She said she is a “proven conservative Republican leader” who believes that small government is best.
“I’ve worked and voted to reduce income taxes three times, championed Universal School Choice, ensured Fair School Funding, passed the Parents Bill of Rights, driven millions of state capital dollars into our community and strongly supported the SAFE and Save Women’s Sports Act ensuring fair competition for girls.”
Richardson said she is focused on seniors, veterans and hard-working people.
She said they are being “priced out of their homes with excessive property taxes” and she is currently working on legislation to reduce them.
Public safety is also a priority of Richardson’s, she said, emphasizing that she has always supported “the first responders who protect us every day.” She added that she is the only candidate endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police.
Richardson said she is pro-life and is endorsed by Ohio Right to Life.
She also said she has a pro-business voting record and “cares deeply about our agricultural community.”
Richardson said she is also focused on fighting to “end the scourge of human trafficking.”
The representative noted that she is the only candidate endorsed by the NRA and Buckeye Firearms Association.
“I staunchly defend the Second Amendment because every American has the fundamental right to bear arms to protect themselves and their family,” Richardson said. “I take my oath to uphold the Constitution very seriously and have repeatedly demonstrated this with votes including Constitutional Carry and Stand Your Ground.”
Richardson also cautioned voters against the efforts of special interest groups beyond the state.
“In this primary, we are experiencing unprecedented attacks from outside of Ohio to gain control of our state legislature. Many thousands of dollars are being spent to attack my character with offensive mailers, deceptive videos and aggressive phone marketing to discredit me,” Richardson said.
She said special interests are trying to control the power of the Ohio House of Representatives.
“You see, I work for your best interest which threatens those who want to control my decision making,” Richardson said. “I stand up for what is right.”
Richardson said her priority is listening to the concerns of her constituents and making sure their voices are heard.
“Much of the policy I enact is the result of meeting with residents in local office hours here in Marysville,” she said, also encouraging anyone who needs assistance to contact her office.
Richardson thanked community members for their “tireless support,” adding that she hopes to continue representing them in the General Assembly.
“With infinite hope, I’m committed to using the blessings God has given me to improve the lives of others as best I can. I humbly ask for your vote on March 19 to continue serving you,” she said.