ELECTION 2020: Bradley A. Lacko challenges incumbent Joe Miller for Ohio House's 56th District

Bradley A. Lacko, 41 Party: Republican Education: A.A.S., computer design engineering 2001; LCJVS, two-year certificate computers and accounting, 1997; Keystone High School, 1997 Family: Wife, Tracey; two daughters, Emily and Macy Job history: Self-employed for over 15 years as an independent trucker and farmer Website: www.bradlacko.com Joe Miller, 51 Party: Democrat Education: Bachelor's of science, BGSU; master's of education and master's of administration, Ashland University Family: Wife, Kelly, and sons Joseph and Jordan Job history: Worked in the public and private sector in both employee and management positions. In addition to being a state representative for Ohio House District 56, an adjunct instructor at LCCC. Website: www.joemillerforohio.com Incumbent state Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, is being challenged by Republican Bradley Lacko to represent the state's 56th District. Miller is seeking his second term in the Statehouse and this is Lacko's first time running for the position. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Lacko: I have many years of on the job experience in various areas such as transportation, construction and agriculture, that will be very useful in reaching my goal of bringing back quality paying jobs to my district, and Lorain County. Miller: My current knowledge and experience at the local, state and federal level gives me a keen perspective on how power is shared in a federalist system and how our governments are supposed to work for the people. My experience in the private sector has enabled me to understand the challenges employers and employees face in this ever changing economy. I will take these assets, coupled with my willingness to listen to constituents, be empathetic to their struggles, and laser focus on finding solutions to work for them for a second term. What is the biggest challenge facing the district and how would you address it? Lacko: We have lost a large number of manufacturing jobs in my district, specifically the city of Lorain. We need to focus on those good-paying, quality manufacturing jobs, and do whatever we can to bring them back to Lorain County. Miller: Government only works well when it works for the people and power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. For too long, the power of all branches in the Ohio Statehouse has been in the hands of one party and they have been corrupted by it. It is time to remove the challenge of one party rule who currently makes policies for the few in Ohio as opposed to the many because they go unchecked. The biggest challenge being in the minority without the ability to check the majority power is we often are overlooked and our policies dismissed. I pride myself in working across the aisle on policies that are good for all Ohioans but the partisan approach in today's political atmosphere creates a whole other set of challenges that could be mitigated with the balance of power being restored in Columbus. — Carissa Woytach