The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
2 vie next week for open Ohio House District 56 seat
Two candidates are vying to become the next state representative for District 56.
With sitting state Rep. Dan Ramos, a Democrat, finishing his last of four terms, voters will choose a new voice to send to Columbus on Nov. 6.
Voters will choose between Democrat Joe Miller and Republic Rob Weber.
The annual base salary for Ohio lawmakers is $60,854, and state representatives serve two-year terms and are limited to four consecutive terms, according to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
The district encompasses the northern and western communities of Lorain County, including Sheffield Lake, Lorain, Amherst, Oberlin, South Amherst, the Lorain County side of
Vermilion and Brownhelm, Henrietta, Camden, Brighton, New Russia and Pittsfield townships.
Miller did not return a Morning Journal questionnaire.
Weber, 46, wants to use his military background and experience as an attorney to create jobs and improve Ohio’s response to health crises along with improving public transportation services.
In improving the economy, Weber said he wants to encourage programs bridging together young people and local employers.
“I believe there is a disconnect between our high school education systems and local employers,” he wrote in his questionnaire. “While a traditional socalled four-year college program is an esteemable pursuit, it is not the solution for everyone.
“In fact, I think that our current educational system overemphasizes a traditional college path. Instead, we must continue to utilize and enhance Lorain County’s crown-jeweled assets: (Lorain County) JVS and (Lorain County Community College) and the programs that they offer.”
With health care, Weber cites addressing the needs of Ohio’s aging population and fighting the opioid crisis as top priorities.
“We must ensure that our aging population is secure in receiving their promised and relied upon government-provided health benefits, and that we ensure we have a transparent health care system for all people,” he said. “Additionally, we must continue to find solutions for the ever-growing opioid epidemic.”
In fighting the opioid crisis, Weber proposes a threetiered approach prioritizing strong law enforcement, aggressive prosecution of drug trafficking and rehabilitation and recovery services for those suffering from addiction.
In addition, Weber wants to address mental illness, in which he believes is a root cause of many problems facing Ohio including crime and addiction.
Weber also noted transportation services is an issue not only locally, but statewide, and wants to see more studies conducted to identify possible solutions addressing Ohio’s needs.
“Through meeting and talking with voters, I have been informed, regarding this issue, that a large segment of our local population faces (issues) regarding basic transportation needs,” he said. “It is an issue that has roots in poverty, distance-based logistics and a cultural shift in our society.”
As a military veteran serving in the U.S. Army, and his 15 years experience as a trial lawyer, Weber said he is the most qualified candidate to represent Ohio’s 56th District.
As a lawyer he said he has worked with people from all walks of life.
If elected, he said he pledges to work with stakeholders in Lorain County and across all levels of government on behalf of constituents.
“I am truly committed to serving the 56th District,” Weber said. “I am a proud resident of Lorain County, and my wife and I, are very happy living in this wonderful community.
“I will be an active and
visible leader who will gladly come back home to Lorain County and my family whenever I am not in session at the Statehouse. I will host town hall and other community events so that I will be accessible to our community.”