MOUNT VERNON — The Republican primary race for the Ohio 98th House District seat features three Knox County candidates.
Mark Hiner of Howard, Brandon Lape of Danville, and Scott Pullins of Mount Vernon look to replace current representative Darrel Kick. Kick cannot run for re-election due to term limits.
The 98th District includes the eastern part of Knox, Holmes, and Coshocton counties.
Although all are running on the Republican ticket, they bring diverse views to statewide issues.
Regarding the state’s Rainy Day Fund (RDF), Hiner believes it should be capped, although he does not have a hard number.
“We should evaluate what an appropriate reserve limit would be, index it for inflation, and make it law. Excess funds above that should be returned to the taxpayers,” he said.
Lape says the RDF should be capped or get rid of it entirely.
“Personally, I don’t believe there should be an RDF,” he said. “I would much rather lower taxes and let people keep more of what they earn.”
Lape acknowledges the state can use the funds for grants, but it comes at the expense of people barely scraping by.
Pullins believes there is too much money in the RDF. He says it should be used to repay the local government fund and for tax relief.
He said the state should cap the RDF at 5% of the general revenue fund.
Local Government Funds (LGF)
Lape supports lowering taxes but acknowledges you must find other revenue sources. He would start by allocating less to other state departments.
“Year over year growth belongs in private industry, not government. When government has too much money, it means they took too much, and we need to lower taxes,” he said.
Hiner supports eliminating the state’s income and corporate taxes but agrees that you have to find a way to pay for them. He prefers to leave the LGF alone and increase it if possible. He also prefers to make cuts at the state agency level.
Pullins does not support eliminating taxes, noting they account for $12 to $13 billion a year (40% of the general fund budget).
“I support a low, flat-rate state income tax,” he said. “We now have two brackets. We used to have a lot more. One rate for all is the most fair.”
He notes a flat rate of around 2.75% “would help the recession but still bring in revenue that could go to LGF.”
Issue 1
Pullins and Hiner agree the Heartbeat Bill the state legislature passed in 2019 was a mistake.
Pullins noted a complete ban will not work. He supports a 15- or 16-week ban except in cases of rape, incest, or saving the life of the mother.
Hiner said the bill went too far; he prefers putting into law something on which most Ohioans agree, such as the third trimester should be off limits.
“We should pass that and then work on the rest,” he said. “It will take time, and with Issue 1 now in the Constitution, it will be that much more difficult.
“Where we’re at right now, it’s going to be hard to get it out of the Constitution; that doesn’t mean we don’t try,” Lape said. “We work to move it to the ORC, then raise the threshold to change constitutional amendments to two-thirds majority.”
Solar
Lape said government needs to restrict the federal solar money flowing to the state and favors removing subsidies.
“If it wants to compete, the technology needs to stand on its own against LNG and other energy production; solar just isn’t there yet,” he said.
Relating to using up farmland, Lape said, “I believe in empowering our township, municipal, and county governments to work together to make and enforce zoning if and when there is a concern to public health or public safety. This requires a balancing act between the rights of the property owner and the health and safety of the community.”
Hiner agrees with eliminating solar subsidies, but notes equating energy subsidies with farming subsidies is an apples-to-oranges comparison.
“Food security is a national security imperative. … Renewables alone are not enough to keep the lights on in Ohio. Rather than propping up wind and solar with taxpayer subsidies, policymakers should share the truth about how natural gas has fueled a 38% reduction in emissions in this state, created thousands of energy jobs, and led to billions of dollars in reinvestment in our rural communities,” he said.
Hiner said solar should be in the hands of the voters but at the village/township level. He agrees with the concept of property rights but said it gets complicated.
“[Solar] should be a community-level decision. If you and your neighbors don’t want zoning and are willing to take your chances with development, that’s your choice,” he said. “If you want to have control, put zoning in place.
He added, “I feel that industrial solar is different from other utility infrastructure due to its massive size and should be subject to local zoning.”
Pullins opposes turning farmland into solar and would go farther with Ohio Senate Bill 52. He notes that if a factory wants to build on farmland, it has to go through the local zoning process and likely would not be permitted because farmland is not zoned for manufacturing
“When they say ‘property rights,’ they mean ‘special rights’ for the certain few,” Pullins said. “I believe that solar should be subject to either a countywide, citywide, or townshipwide referendum before they can be developed.
“I also believe that solar should be subject to local zoning like any other large manufacturing project.”
Knox Pages sent questionnaires to the candidates to learn more about their philosophy. Their responses are below.
Mark Hiner
Hiner favors eliminating state income and corporate taxes. He believes this can be achieved in a responsible manner that promotes job creation, lifts the burden on families, and reduces wasteful government spending.
He notes that full elimination of the income tax is possible through further spending cuts and increased revenue as Ohio becomes a more attractive place to do business.
Hiner advocates raising the homestead exemption to ease the burden of higher property values. He also says legislators must continue to reevaluate the school funding formula to ensure fairer funding for K-12 education and a reduced burden on taxpayers.
Your role in this position is to represent the people. Will you vote based on their wishes if it goes against your position on the issue?
My job is to represent, not dictate. My views align with those of the people I talk to in the district. As someone who has been married for 32 years, I know the importance of finding common ground. It all starts with transparency and communication.
How will you seek constituents’ positions on issues?
I will attend county commissioner meetings on a regular basis. I will get to city and village council meetings as I can; many of them are scheduled on Mondays, so there are lots of conflicts. I will hold office hours in each county on a regular basis to ensure that constituents have access. I will always be available via phone, text, and e-mail.
What are the top three challenges facing the state? Facing the district?
Education, workforce development, taxation
What will you do to address them?
We need to implement school choice and support it with the Backpack Bill. Allow parents to choose the best school for their kids. We need to ensure that we are training the next generation with emphasis on vocational and two-year colleges. Eliminate the state income tax… make Ohio more competitive for business.
What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?
Education and election security are two areas in need of urgent attention.
What is the first piece of legislation you would repeal or amend if elected?
Repeal what is remaining of House Bill 6.
Why should citizens vote for you as opposed to against another candidate?
I am a long-time businessman and engineer. I am a problem-solver. I believe my views are more consistent with the district’s voters than my opponents’. I will be accessible and visible in the district. I will bring common-sense solutions to the Statehouse. I have no agenda other than serving the people of the 98th House District.
Endorsements
Ohio 4th District US Congressman Jim Jordan, Current 98th District Representative Darrell Kick, Holmes County Recorder Anita Hall, Knox County Commissioner William Pursel, Americans For Prosperity, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Value Voters, A rating from Buckeye Firearms Association, Knox County Republican Central Committee
Brandon Lape
Lape notes he is “uniquely qualified to understand the amount of growth and technology that is happening in Ohio.”
He is big into electric vehicles but does not believe the government should mandate EVs because the country does not have the grid capacity. He says this is especially true when the Biden Administration continues to restrict liquid natural gas production.
“I am okay with a federal income tax credit for the purchase of EVs,” he said. “Lower taxes are always something I can agree with.”
Your role in this position is to represent the people. Will you vote based on their wishes if it goes against your position on the issue?
Ohio 98 is a predominantly red district, but this is by discounting the independent majority. Depending on the issue, I will mostly vote via my principles. However, I am running to represent the people of OH-98, and I am willing to listen. I’ll need residents to voice their concerns so I can respond and vote accordingly. I appreciate open dialogue and discussion.
How will you seek constituents’ positions on issues?
I intend to announce office hours and utilize local venues like libraries around the district so I can be more accessible to every community. I have a goal to attend township, municipal, and county board meetings whenever possible. If not possible, I will reach out to local leadership to ask for updates and address concerns. I will make myself available on social media, email, website, and office number.
What are the top three challenges facing the state? Facing the district?
Protecting Ohio from Federal Overreach
Managing Growth and maintaining an affordable cost of living
Making Ohio a place where people want to stay and retire
What will you do to address them?
Protect Ohio from a failing Federal Government. Ohio needs to become more sovereign to prepare for the federal government spending its way into oblivion. We can do this by removing reliance and dependency on federal funding and influence.
Like Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Florida, New Hampshire, and other States, I intend to introduce nullification legislation that restricts the federal government in Ohio. This involves fiscal and monetary policy, Second Amendment preservation, and creating a framework to analyze future federal laws, mandates, or executive orders that Ohio does not agree with.
Managing growth. We must work to maintain an affordable cost of living throughout Ohio. Ohio has the seventh-largest GDP in the US. With the introduction of Intel and the return of LNG production, Ohio and Pennsylvania will eventually vie for the number-five spot. This growth brings additional challenges in maintaining infrastructure for housing and new businesses while preserving our agricultural capabilities. I will sponsor legislation that helps maintain an affordable cost of living. This includes eliminating the State income tax.
Retirement Ohio. I would like to continue the work of Rep. Darrell Kick by protecting landowners from eminent domain and adding the removal of property taxation when your primary residence is paid off. We’ve seen the start of this with House Bill 263: Property Tax Reduction Act.
What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?
The first bill I would introduce is a requirement for companies to give advance notice to township, municipal, and county governments when handling hazardous materials in the governed area, especially if these materials pose a risk to public health or public safety. Local governments must be given enough time to file an injunction or formulate a response. If not given enough notice, the local governments will be empowered to issue sanctions against the company until they address local concerns.
NOTE: Robert and Melissa Leist of Coshocton have written the start of some great legislation I would like to introduce. This is in response to Buckeye Brine receiving and injecting wastewater from the East Palestine Train derailment, a solution approved by both the US and Ohio EPA but contested by many locals due to public health and safety risks.
What is the first piece of legislation you would repeal or amend if elected?
I would work to move the vague abortion language out of Ohio’s Constitution and over to ORC, where it belongs. We need to make Ohio’s Constitution more concise, then work to require a 2/3 vote to amend it. Much of Ohio’s Constitution belongs in the Ohio Revised Code.
Why should citizens vote for you as opposed to against another candidate?
“I’m running to represent the people of OH-98. My priority is to protect Ohio and make us more self-sufficient. We need a principled, ethical person to represent us; representation is not for sale.
I’m running to prove it is possible to win on principles, morals, and integrity.”
I am a technical, hands-on person. My default is to fix things, repair what is broken, and prevent continued degradation. One opponent has a history of ethics violations and ties to disgraced former speaker of the House Larry Householder. He also now has a friendship with current House Speaker Jason Stephens, part of the Blue 22 and being investigated by the FBI. Lawsuits and corruption follow this man everywhere. His default is to do what lawyers do and bring lawsuits.
My other opponent is trying to buy his way into the seat in hopes of accumulating status or potential kickbacks/ business dealings. He is aligning himself with people like Senate President Matt Huffman and organizations that support corporations over individuals. His default is to better his business and his friends’ business.
Endorsements
I do not have any official endorsements. I have a 100% Rating from Ohio Gun Owners and a 100% Rating from Ohio Advocates for Medicare Freedom. I am the only candidate that has attended Holmes, Coshocton, and Knox County Farm Bureau events and lives on family farm land and in an agricultural community.
Scott Pullins
Pullins cites his political experience, noting he is the only candidate to previously run for the seat. He has a background in politics, either as an elected, a candidate, or an attorney for a group. He has helped write bills and knows the process.
Your role in this position is to represent the people. Will you vote based on their wishes if it goes against your position on the issue?
We do not live in a pure democracy. My votes will generally reflect the wishes of the people, but they are electing a representative who will have access to information that they may not always have.
How will you seek constituents’ positions on issues?
I am the only candidate that has a full-time office within this district in downtown Mount Vernon. While I will need to limit my law practice after I take office, I will keep it open as my campaign and constituent office. I will have regular office hours here and in Coshocton and Millersburg. I will also communicate better with constituents. Our current legislator, Darrell Kick, has not attended meetings or events in the district for most of his last term. I will maintain an event schedule, a robust newsletter, and a presence with local media and social media. Neither of the other candidates has a social media presence now, while I have a large one.
What are the top three challenges facing the state? Facing the district?
Energy affordability and reliability. We can’t keep shutting down coal and natural gas plants and replacing them with solar. We must make sure our grid is secure and is fed by reliable coal, natural gas, and nuclear power.
Property tax relief. A shortage of housing due to COVID-19 and the growth of Intel are artificially forcing housing values up, causing property taxes to rise. We must enhance and increase the Homestead Exemption for seniors and find other ways to provide much-needed property tax relief.
Illegal Immigration. The federal government under Joe Biden is shipping illegal aliens to this state and others, causing increased crime and drug abuse. We must take swift steps as a state to pass legislation to criminalize illegal immigration at the state level and ship these criminals back to where they come from.
What will you do to address them?
Answered above.
What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?
I will make it a state felony to be an illegal immigrant in Ohio, just like they are doing in Texas. This will allow our law enforcement to arrest, incarcerate, and ship these illegal aliens back when the federal government refuses to take action.
What is the first piece of legislation you would repeal or amend if elected?
I would increase the Homestead Exemption to make it more available to our senior citizens and keep them from being taxed out of their homes.
Why should citizens vote for you as opposed to against another candidate?
First, I actually live and work right here in Mount Vernon.. Mark Hiner and his wife work far outside this district and they actually live in a Columbus suburb. They have a weekend lake house here only. Second, I have the experience, the skills, and the contacts to hit the ground running. I actually know what a legislator does and can do. It will take any other candidate a full two years to get up to speed. Finally, I’m a solid conservative Republican with deep knowledge of the issues of the day. I’ve been in the political and governmental process for nearly 4 decades. Neither of my opponents has any governmental or political experience whatsoever. Because of this, I will be able to obtain better committee assignments and responsibilities. This isn’t an entry-level job, and unlike my opponents, I’m not an entry-level candidate.
Endorsements
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, Ohio House Majority Leader Bill Seitz, House Finance Chairman Jay Edwards, House Finance Sub Committee Chair Sara Carruthers, House Finance Sub Committee Chair Jamie Callender, House Civil Justice Chair Brett Hillyer, former State Representative and State Senator Joy Padgett, former State Representative Jim Trakas, former Knox County Treasurer Sandra Mizer, Former Knox County Clerk of Courts Mary Jo Hawkins, Cleveland Construction and Building Trades Council, Teamsters Local 416, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Buckeye Firearms Association A Rating, NRA/PVF A Rating, Ohio Gun Owners 100% Rating, Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom A Rating
Republicans Beth Lear and Mike Holt and Democrats David Hogan and Christian Smith are running for the 61st District, which covers the eastern part of Knox County.
