MOUNT VERNON — Democrat and political newcomer Heather Swiger is challenging Republican incumbent Andrew Brenner for Ohio’s 19th Senate seat in the November 8 General Election.
The 19th District includes Knox, Coshocton, Delaware, and Holmes counties.
Brenner points to his voting record and experience as reasons why Knox Countians should return him to the senate. Swiger points to her passion, knowledge of services, and desire to make a positive impact as reasons to support her election.
Both candidates acknowledge some common ground.
“I do not know my opponent other than meeting her at an event. Based upon my voting record and that of Democrats in the Ohio General Assembly, we will probably vote on most issues [the same] around 75% of the time,” Brenner said via email. “Based upon what others have said, issues like lower taxes, pro-life, and pro-second amendment issues we will disagree on.”
Also via email, Swiger noted SB 261 and SB 126 as common ground. SB 261 expands the use of medical marijuana; SB 126 expands criminal penalties for hazing and implements education and prevention procedures.
Perhaps predictably, Brenner supports State Issue 1 and State Issue 2; Swiger does not.
“I voted to place both initiatives on the ballot, and I plan to vote for them,” Brenner said. “Judges need the ability to set bail to protect the public, and only U.S. Citizens should have the right to vote in local elections.”
“I see State Issue 1 as beneficial to those with money and aimed at those without. … Our laws must work equally for all,” Swiger said. “Issue 2 will prohibit young individuals from voting unless they have been registered for 30-plus days before Election Day. … another way to disenfranchise a group of people.”
In an effort to delve deeper into their positions, Knox Pages posed questions to Brenner and Swiger. Following are their responses.
Andrew Brenner
What promise from your 2018 senate campaign are you most proud of fulfilling? Why?
I said I would work to reform education, including supporting fair funding. We passed both a new, more accurate state school district report card and a constitutional school funding formula.
How will returning you to the Ohio Senate benefit Knox County citizens?
I supported reduced regulations, fair funding for schools, lower taxes, protecting the 2nd amendment, I stood for life, and state capital budgets that have landed Knox County over a million for local projects. I supported last year’s budget which included incentives that helped land Intel to the region. If I am reelected, I will continue these reforms.
In HB 169, $169 million was directed toward child care grants. What are your proposals for child care when that money runs out?
The state’s economy is in great shape thanks to the efforts of the Ohio General assembly and Governor DeWine. This has caused billions of dollars in surplus funding which can be used to help childcare grants. I am also on the study committee which is looking to improve our star rated preschool system. We are about to make major recommendations for improvement to the system, including a reduction in bureaucratic rules that didn’t help students.
What are Ohio’s top 2 problems and how would you solve them legislatively?
It is crucial that we improve Ohio’s education system. Especially due to problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as chronic absenteeism and students falling behind in school. Secondly, Ohio, while landing Intel and other manufacturing companies, still needs to reduce its tax burdens and regulations, in order to be more competitive, nationally and internationally.
How do you reconcile your pro-ag position with voting to give billions in tax incentives to Intel, which resulted in losing hundreds of acres of prime farmland to development?
The farming community supports me as I received the Friend of Agriculture Award from the Ohio Farm Bureau for 2022. Farmers aren’t against growth, they are for planned growth that doesn’t destroy tens of thousands of acres. To that end, I supported reforms to Ohio’s solar and wind farms, giving local farmers and counties more of a say in how local communities are developed.
As chair of the Primary and Secondary Education Committee, what is your biggest accomplishment? What still needs completed?
I authored most of the reforms to Ohio’s school report cards. The improvements give a more accurate picture of how our schools are performing. This is important so that schools, families, teachers and especially students can improve their academic standings. Clearly, we need to fully fund the new constitutional school funding system. I will continue to push to have it fully funded.
Any other brief statement you would like to make?
I am grateful to serve the residents of Ohio, the 19th Senate District, and those in Knox County. I made sure to visit the county and meet with and listen to constituents on a regular basis over the past four years and will continue to do so if reelected. The county needs a senator who is responsive to the needs of the county residents. Based upon my voting and constituent record, I have met those needs and will continue to do so. I would appreciate Knox County’s vote in the 2022 General Election.
Swiger
Why do you believe voting rights, women’s rights, teachers’ rights, health care, and social justice are the cornerstones of the country’s future?
Each of the listed items addresses various needs and outcomes. Voting rights are the most important process the US has in maintaining our freedoms. All citizens have a right and duty to have their voice heard. We should not make voting more difficult. Women’s rights are next in importance because our freedoms are being removed for no other reason than control. Women will leave the state taking with them their professions, their families and their economy. This will not only affect those who stay but those who must leave. Teachers will also leave the state to find places where they are trusted and paid appropriately for their services. We will lose the best because of the lack of respect for our teachers.
Healthcare and social justice operate in a similar place. Both are efforts to level the playing field for EVERYONE. Our elected officials have allowed medical care to get out of control with increases in privatized healthcare, lower poverty numbers to qualify for Obama Care and increased prescription costs. It is a fact, healthy individuals become great workers.
What are the top 2 pieces of legislation the Ohio Legislature passed in 2019-22 that you disagree with and why? What would your solutions be to those issues?
Senate Bill 23: I do not believe the state of Ohio should force a rape/incest victim into carrying her pregnancy to term. The government does not belong in our doctor’s offices or our bedrooms. Women’s freedoms are on the line. Whose are next?
House Bill 99: As the mother of 4 (one of whom is a special-needs teacher) I understand we must make our schools safer. However, I do not believe arming staff/educators (with 20 training hours compared to 700 for officers) is the answer. We must work with educators across Ohio to find answers that will keep all of our children and staff safe. I will have conversations to find resolutions, working directly with school districts, teachers, staff and law enforcement. I am aware not all resources will work for all schools, but we will continue on to the next discussion to find what would work for the next group of schools. We will continue that work until we find what works for everyone. School safety MUST be improved immediately, and we can’t stop until all have safety plans implemented. From urban to rural.
What are Ohio’s top 2 problems and how would you solve them legislatively?
In my opinion, the risk to our public school system from legislators who are working to privatize them is an enormous problem. I will work to make sure all of our schools are fully funded and no child’s educational opportunities are based upon their parents’ bank account. ALL students deserve the best education for success. I will work to create public schools that work for all students in the state of Ohio.
Another major issue facing Ohio is women’s rights. On June 24, 2022, women across Ohio woke to less rights than their male counterparts. Who would have thought that in 2022, freedoms would be taken away from 50% of the citizens. Current legislators are telling Ohio women that they are not equipped to make decisions without government involvement. I believe women know what’s best for themselves, their families, and their health. I will work to get women their freedom back.
Your Facebook page references the cost of obtaining voter ID and choosing between getting an ID and feeding families. Do you support voter ID if a funding mechanism is in place to cover those costs?
For the past decade or more, local non-profits have been working tirelessly with local officials and have not been able to come to an agreement on how to provide every individual with a free identification. Unfortunately, this is not only an issue in Ohio but also across the country. This issue is a larger issue than finding funding. If it was that simple, it would have been done years ago. Several non-profit and government agencies have spoken; however, as of my last discussion, no agreements have been made. We must work to find a way to vote with all organizations to find a resolution. I work in the non-profit world and will bring that knowledge with me to the Statehouse and get these issues finalized.
You reference the recent Wilhelm brothers incident in Knox County as an example of why responsible gun reform is needed. What form would sensible reform take?
I was raised with guns in the home for hunting and in having these weapons, my father made sure they were secured properly, the family understood the facts of the weapon and who was permitted to handle and who was not. Per npr.org, sensible gun laws are agreed upon by 70%+ of gun owners in Ohio. Sensible gun laws should include licensing for all weapons owned by each individual. Sensible gun laws should include background check, weapons secured and end permit-less carry laws in Ohio. Police officers across Ohio dislike the permit-less carry law and believe it places them at higher risk. I stand with our officers.
How will being a new face to the Ohio Senate benefit Knox County citizens?
Mr. Brenner has served in the Ohio Legislation for 2 terms in the House of Representatives and 1 term as state senator, totaling 12 years. As a new face, I will be motivated to be involved in the district and make sure everyone’s issues are being addressed and responded to. I will also bring the passion I operate my non-profit with. I will also bring my knowledge of services. I have served our community for over 13 years and understand no two people have the same needs. I will listen to all so that when decisions are being made, we have facts from those being impacted to use in the final result. Individuals become complacent and stop seeing the needs of the community. I promise that will not be me. My energy and desire to make a positive impact on our community will benefit us all. My door will always be open.
Any other brief statement you would like to make?
I do not believe Mr. Brenner votes for the best interest of the majority of his constituents. In my opinion, Mr. Brenner falls in line with his party and/or those with influence. Know that I have never been, nor will be, swayed by money or control. I stay true to my core beliefs and upbringing. Do good by as many individuals as possible and then go back to all others and see what you can do differently to assist. The role of those in government is to represent their constituents to the best of their ability. Please know I am new to politics but not new to service. I look forward to working with everyone throughout Knox, Delaware, Coshocton and Holmes Counties. I will always be available to you, your families and your needs.
