MOUNT VERNON — Voters in Knox County will choose state representatives for House Districts 98 and 61 when they go to the polls for the Nov. 5 General Election.
Voters in District 98, which includes the eastern half of Knox County, Holmes and Coshocton counties, will choose between Republican Mark Hiner and Democrat Annie Homestad.
Hiner won the Republican primary against Brandon Lape and Scott Pullins.
Homestad was unopposed in the primary. Learn more about her at https://anniehomstad4ohio.com.
Knox Pages asked Hiner and Homestad to complete a questionnaire detailing their stance on several local issues. Homstad did not respond. Hiner’s responses are below.
Knox County, along with other Ohio counties, spends an increasing amount on elections due to state-mandated requirements and Homeland Security recommendations. However, elections are the state’s responsibility. What will you do to either relieve the mandate or secure more funding to cover the increasing costs?
Election integrity is very important and must be maintained. And I want to keep the existing model where each county chooses how to operate their elections. I am not in favor of unfunded mandates; the State should provide funding to cover any mandates. Those funds should only be used for election purposes and should not be put into the County’s General Fund. Any unused dollars should be returned to the State.
Placement costs for children in foster care are skyrocketing. What do you plan to do to relieve the counties’ burdens for placement expenses?
Government is always reactionary. At some point we need to invest in prevention so these kids don’t end up in the foster system. That is not a simple task … parents need to be taught and incentivized to do better.
What are your thoughts on increasing the number of facilities available for youths?
As above, I would prefer to use our resources to prevent kids from coming into the system rather than expand existing services. That said, we must ensure children are cared for properly and will need to provide those services. I would prefer to do that through private sector relationships such as faith based organizations as opposed to expanding existing bureaucracies.
There are several bills pending in the state legislature designed to provide tax relief for homeowners. Do you support any of these plans? If so, which one(s) and if not, what is your proposal for tax relief?
In general, I will support any bill that reduces taxes. I would like to see reductions in property taxes for everyone as I am not a fan of carve-outs. There are bills pending that cap annual increases and there has been an increase in the Homestead Exemption. CAUV (farm ground) has increased dramatically, and I would like to see reductions there as well. Discussions are taking place now as to the best path forward.Â
How do you plan to make schools competitive?
I favor the money following the kid (Backpack Bill). Allow parents to choose the best school for their child. This creates a marketplace-based model where all schools will be forced to compete. I believe the biggest problem in education is lack of parental involvement. We need parents to get involved in their kids’ education. Our schools are not baby sitters. Parents should be the kids’ biggest advocate. We also need to give schools the tools to succeed. Oftentimes state law handcuffs them on how they can deal with problems. Government needs to get out of their way and let them educate. We need to evaluate the current testing model … the kids and teachers are worn out with all the testing. We must find a better way.
What is your greatest strength?
I have an ability to connect with anyone. Young or old, rich or poor, I can have a conversation with anyone and consider their concern from their perspective.Â
What sets you apart from your opponent?
I am out in the district building relationships, attend Commissioner and Village meetings, and already discuss problems with constituents and in cases where I can, helping them with their problems. I was at all three county fairs in the district, and attended every day … it is important to be responsive to the district and I will continue to do so after the election.
Why should Knox County voters support you?
Because I will represent the district. I am not running for this office because I need a job. Even though technically State Representative is a part-time job, I will not treat it that way and will spend whatever time is necessary to get the job done. I am already out in the communities in the district and will work tirelessly to help them solve their problems. Additionally, I will work to get government out of the way so that businesses can thrive and local communities can grow.
Other comments
My undergraduate degree is in Broadcast Engineering and my Masters Degree in Business Administration. I am a member of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Vernon Rotary Club.
As a long time-business owner, I and understand that communities need a vibrant business base in order to support their communities. I am in favor of limited government and am very much a proponent of local control, pushing power as far locally as possible. You have the best chance of being heard at the local level. I believe the United States and Ohio Constitutions are documents that should be followed and are not merely suggestions.
I have been endorsed by many organizations: The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Value Voters, Farm Bureau AGG-PAC, Buckeye Firearms Association, National Rifle Association (BFA and NRA have both given me A ratings), National Federation of Independent Business (our district has the highest percentage membership in the state), The Ohio State Medical Association and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.
My job is to represent the district, not be a dictator to it. I will consider the district’s needs and consult with stakeholders before voting on legislation. I will always be available to help residents of the district when needed.
Learn more at www.hinerforohio.com.
61st District
Constituents in the western half of Knox County will join Delaware County voters in choosing between Democrat David Hogan or Republican Beth Lear as state rep for District 61.
Lear won her primary against Mike Holt. Hogan won his primary against Christian Smith.
Knox Pages reporter Grant Ritchey spoke with Lear and Hogan ahead of the March primary.
Lear’s interview can be found here. Hogan’s interview can be found here.
