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STEUBENVILLE -- The two candidates vying for the 96th district seat in Ohio's House of Representatives have wildly different perspectives on the challenges that lie ahead--and how best to address them.
The 137th session of the Ohio General Assembly convenes in January, with hot button issues
Voters can choose between incumbent Ron Ferguson, a Republican, and Democratic newcomer Charrie Foglio for the 96th District seat in Ohio's House of Representatives when they go to the polls for the Nov. 3 general election.
Ferguson
Ferguson, 40, is a Wintersville resident. A small business owner, he graduated from Ohio State University in 2008 with a degree in communications and has served six years in Ohio’s House of Representatives.
What should the Legislature's top 3 priorities be during the coming session? Why?
"I believe the top three priorities of the legislature all center around affordability. First, we must reduce energy costs by continuing to drill for the state’s natural gas and oil to lead with American energy. Second, we need to abolish or significantly reduce property taxes. The first step in doing that is to end corporate welfare and handouts to special interests. For example, I voted no on the last state budget; because I refused to allow $600 million dollars to be used on building the Cleveland Browns a new football stadium. Third, we need to reign in the regulatory bureaucracy that makes it too burdensome for American businesses to open, compete and provide good jobs."
Do you think the pause on data center permitting in Ohio needs to be revisited or extended? Should operators be offered tax incentives? Should residents be burdened with the costs of grid expansion, transmission upgrades, and new generation plants?
"The decision on data centers, like most issues, should be a local decision decided by each community. There should absolutely not be any tax incentives, and any data center should be responsible for all of its own energy production and water usage. It is never the job of Ohioans to prop up a private company in any way. Businesses are meant to be self-sufficient and create good jobs that add value to the community, not extract from it."
Property tax dollars in Ohio fund schools and emergency services (police, fire, ambulance), How would you replace those lost revenues, particularly in border counties?
"Property tax is the most regressive tax there is. Our country was founded on religious freedom and private property rights, but with out-of-control property taxes, you never truly own your home. The elimination or reduction in property tax can easily be offset by doing several things, and these are three of the most important: First, the government must eliminate waste and live inside its means just like each of us. Second, in the last year, it has been revealed that Medicaid fraud in Ohio is in the billions of dollars; we must prioritize closing every last loophole that is being used to defraud taxpayers. Third, the money each person saves gives them more money in their pockets to spend on what they choose. This will grow the economy and provide more revenue for ensuring our schools and first responders are fully funded, like they deserve."
Ferguson and his wife, Emma, are expecting their third daughter in March.
Foglio
Foglio, 63, lives in the Toronto area. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA, earned a law degree from Trinity and worked in the music industry for 45 years in management, promotion, publicity and legal for well-known bands.
What should the Legislature's top 3 priorities be during the coming session? Why?
"We need to tackle the drastic rise in prices ASAP. The current administration’s obsession with the war in Iran and tariffs is killing us financially. But for prices to drop, Amy Acton needs to be elected, or nothing will change. We need to flip the majority. She is the only one who can stop the hemorrhaging right now. A close second is our healthcare system: protecting our local hospitals, protecting Medicaid for seniors, mothers and children, and people with disabilities. People need to have insurance. Without it, everyone is one accident away from complete financial ruin. And third would be finding a better way to support our schools. Property taxes are through the roof, and they still fall short of funding our education system. I'm curious why taxes from spirits sold in Eastern Ohio go to Jobs Ohio to fund endeavors outside Eastern Ohio. There's a lot to look into, that's for sure."
Do you think the pause on data center permitting in Ohio needs to be revisited or extended? Should operators be offered tax incentives? Should residents be burdened with the costs of grid expansion, transmission upgrades, and new generation plants?
"We shouldn't move forward on data centers until the benefits outweigh the detriment. People in Eastern Ohio need to prosper if data centers are to move forward. Why else would we forfeit this incredible countryside and risk Hollywood turning us into a movie where thousands of people get cancer from something that has leached into the water? Bottom line: there must be zero chance of financial or medical injury to anyone. If we can work that out, by all means, let the unions come in to build, and we are a go."
Property tax dollars in Ohio fund schools and emergency services (police, fire, ambulance). How would you replace those lost revenues, particularly in border counties?
"The most obvious answer is to raise the sales tax to 20%, but even I'd drive to Weirton for groceries if that was the case. So, it's not realistic. At this point, we can NOT do away with property taxes, but hopefully we can reduce them by shifting some of the burden to other areas. The only sure way to make a difference right now is to vote for a Democratic ticket that puts people before big business."
Foglio also authored numerous industry books and magazine articles and is a member of the American Federation of Musicians union.