Fichtel, Manning, Mencke face off for House seat

Candidates to represent 55th District

Three candidates are running to represent some Lorain County communities in the Ohio House.

On Nov. 6, voters will choose among Libertarian W. Daniel Fichtel, Republican Gayle Manning and Democrat Kelly Kraus Mencke.

Each hopes to win a post held by state Rep. Nathan Manning, who is seeking a seat in the Ohio Senate.

The base annual salary for Ohio lawmakers is $60,584, according to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.

State representatives serve two-year terms and are limited to four consecutive terms, according to the Legislative Service Commission.

Communities in the 55th House District include Avon Lake, Elyria, Sheffield Village, Grafton, the townships of Elyria and Carlisle, and the western areas of North Ridgeville.

Fichtel

W. Daniel Fichtel did not return a Morning Journal election questionnaire.

Manning

Manning, 68, said voters are concerned about education, the opioid crisis and jobs.

“As a former teacher, I am passionate about the classroom and our schools,” she said. “Less testing, strengthening our schools is of utmost importance.”

The best response to opioids is prevention through research based educational and support programs, Manning said.

To boost jobs, Ohio should have less regulation that may drive business from the area, she said.

“Job training and workforce development is critical to prepare our young people for jobs,” Manning said.

Lorain County Community College and Lorain County JVS “are wonderful community resources and should continue to be supported,” she said

Voters should consider her because of her experience as a state senator, Manning said.

“As a proud resident of Lorain County, I have diligently fought for our communities in my role as your state senator,” she said. “I have, and will, continue to work to keep taxes low, bring money back to Lorain County, invest in infrastructure, work on strengthening Ohio schools, fight to combat our local drug crisis and be your voice in Columbus.”

In the county, Manning also pledged to continue to work closely with local experts and community members to gain knowledge on legislation that will impact the 55th District.

Mencke

Kelly Kraus Mencke, 37, said there are three key issues for voters: good-paying jobs; great schools; and transparency and accessibility in Ohio’s government.

“Job training and education work hand-in-hand,” Mencke said. “From early childhood education to career technical education or college, I will work to keep public and state schools affordable so that Ohioans are reaching their best for Ohio’s future.

“Transparency and accessibility will be with my truthful leadership and constant contact in the district,” she said. “In my campaign, I welcome all discussion and will remain transparent and accountable to the people of Ohio.”

Mencke said voters should consider her because she is a wife, mother, working woman and candidate for Ohio House District 55.

“I aim to bring truthfulness and accountability to the Ohio House,” she said. “I understand the struggle Ohio families are faced with in the full lives of working parents. I have listened to what you care about in a lawmaker and what you expect from your state government.

“With your vote, I will take your concerns on education, jobs, and health care to help Ohio families live successful lives and build a better Ohio for our children.”

She invited voters to meet her in their neighborhoods or at one of her community chats.

“I am ready to hear more,” Mencke said. “I am ready to do more for you at our Ohio House.”

THE CANDIDATES W. Daniel Fichtel

Fichtel did not return a Morning Journal election questionnaire.

Gayle Manning

Age: 68 Address: 9436 Foxboro Drive, North Ridgeville

Profession: Retired teacher, current state senator Education: Master’s degree, University of Akron Elected experience: Two

Mencke encouraged the residents of the 55th District terms as state senator; North Ridgeville City Council

Kelly Kraus Mencke

Age: 37 Address: 716 Park Ave., Elyria Profession: Sales operations, Cision

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Cleveland State University Elected experience: None

to be sure to register to vote and vote early or on Nov. 6.