Local State House candidates want to focus on everyday issues impacting voters
(WKBN) — Boundaries for Ohio's House of Representatives will be changed in January, and the candidates running for one of the Valley's seats in Columbus are hoping to build support heading into the November Election...
The two candidates running for what will become the 59th State House District seat have very similar views on the subject of rising property taxes — that not enough's being done to reduce them.
"That should be a priority. When people have seen increases of 40% on their property taxes, many people on fixed incomes or retirement incomes, that should have been a priority," said Dr. Laura Schaeffer (D).
"That's probably the number-one issue that I'm hearing from constituents every day, is the increase in property taxes. People aren't happy about it. I, myself, got hit with a big increase," said Rep. Tex Fischer (R).
Fischer, who lives in Boardman, was appointed to succeed Al Cutrona in what's now known as the 58th House District. This is his first time in office and he's working to stay in Columbus after the current term ends in December.
"I always like to introduce people, tell them about my background, a little bit about what I believe. Most importantly, I get to talk to them about what their experiences are, what challenges they're facing," he said.
For her part, Schaeffer is in her second term on Beloit Village Council and believes her experiences there will help meet the needs of the district, which covers parts of both Mahoning and Columbiana counties.
"I'm running on a platform of smarter government, representative government and addressing real issues, and I want to work on the stuff that affects our everyday lives," she said.
She says that includes access to quality healthcare.
"There is one labor and delivery unit in Mahoning County, there are zero in Columbiana County. I have three young children. I know the struggle of trying to find a provider," Schaeffer said.
"We actually have, I believe it's the 15th worst tax climate, tax burden in the country when you figure in the state and local tax burden. So trying to figure out a way to make that work better," Fischer said.
