Two Republicans, two Democrats seek to represent Ohio's 53rd House District

There will be a Republican and Democratic primary for Ohio's 53rd House District on Aug. 2. Incumbent Democrat Joe Miller and write-in Democrat Dan Ramos will be on the Democratic primary ballot later this year. The winner will face the top vote-getter between two Avon Lake Republicans, Marty Gallagher and Sarah McGervey, in the general election on Nov. 8. Previously the 51st House District, it includes Amherst, Avon Lake, Lorain, Sheffield and Sheffield Lake. Marty Gallagher Age: 58 Party: Republican Education: Cuyahoga Community College, Dyke College. Family: Married 29 years with four children: Shannon, 25; Megan, 23; Liam, 20; Erin, 18. Middle of 13 children. Job history: 1982-1987, Ultraviolet Resources; 1987-present, Suntan Supply. Website: electmartygallagher.com Sarah McGervey Age: 32 Party: Republican Education: Boston College, master of arts; Cleveland State University, bachelor of science; Lorain County Community College, associate of applied science; Lorain County Community College, associate of arts. Family: Four siblings, 45 cousins, niece and nephew. Job History: Teacher since 2016. Website: mcgerveyforstaterep.com Joe Miller Age: 52 Party: Democrat Education: Amherst Steele High School, Lorain County Community College, bachelor's degree from Bowling Green, master's degrees at Ashland University Family: Kelly, Joseph, Jordan and bulldog Heisman. Job history: Associate director of planning at Design Build Firm, general manager in a print production facility, social studies teacher at Firelands High School, adjunct instructor of political science at LCCC. Website: joemillerforohio.com Dan Ramos Age: 40 Party: Democratic Education: The Ohio State University, bachelor's degree, 2003; Admiral King High School, 1999 Family: Unmarried, no children. Job history: State representative, legislative staffer (senior policy analyst, policy aide, legislative aide). Website: danramos.com What makes you the best candidate for the position? Gallagher: As a former board member of the Indoor Tanning Association, my duties were P.A.C. chairman, federal legislative chairman, state legislative co-chairman. I managed legislation throughout the U.S. In Ohio, I fought numerous legislative bills with 100 percent success. In the U.S., I introduced a bill to remove the 10 percent excise tax (first taxed industry under the Affordable Healthcare Act) with roughly 140 sponsors in the U.S. House and 40 in the Senate. I love the process and worked with Democrats and Republicans. I will evaluate every bill before voting or sponsoring. Many bills are created without vetting and cause unintended consequences. This is my way of giving back. McGervey: I am a good listener and problem solver. I have the ability to research information to solve problems. I have excellent networking skills, necessary for representing my constituents and solving problems by collaborating with others in and out of state government. I will listen to individuals, small and large business people, and anyone aware of needs within the various parts of the district. I plan to be an advocate and watchdog for my constituents, looking out for corruption in state government. Vote for me. Miller: As a former educator, I understand the vital role that schools have in inspiring our future generations of leaders, innovators and creative thinkers. I introduced legislation that passed the House, ultimately putting an end to the unjust Academic Distress Commission over Lorain Schools. I introduced and supported legislation to bring money and jobs back to Lorain County, increase incentives for renewable green energy, provide assistance and recognition to our veterans. I believe Ohio has the potential to lead the nation in job creation and sustainability, while being a great place to work and raise a family. Ramos: As the legislative lines keep changing, I'm running as a write-in to give voters in Northern Lorain County a voice and a choice in case our current representative gets drawn into a different district. I have a track record. In my previous term (2011-2018), I helped to save public pensions, fought to preserve collective bargaining rights (and) expand health care, and worked to expand educational opportunities. I wrote and introduced over 90 pieces of legislation. I helped constituents individually and advocated for our county collectively. I know the work and can hit the ground running for Lorain County. What is the biggest challenge facing the district and how would you address it? Gallagher: There are different needs for different areas of the district. As a business owner and developer, I would work with businesses and the municipalities to attract businesses. Improving economic development, infrastructure, and reducing crime is an essential part of attracting business. We would have to have more police on the streets. I would help design enterprise zones with incentives for business to move in, and aim to improve the Lake Erie shoreline, French Creek and the Black River by investing in parks and recreation areas in the district. The Avon Lake power plant is a great opportunity for redevelopment with possible marina, restaurants and park enhancements. Also, I'd look at Amherst economic development and create a master plan for the quarries. McGervey: Economic development is the biggest challenge. The states that have done a good job drawing economic development have reduced or eliminated their state income tax. We need to improve the skills of our high school graduates so they can either enter into the workforce or college. We need to give our schools and teachers the resources they need to be as effective as possible. We need to give our parents and students the choices to find schools and opportunities that are most suitable to them. We need to cut taxes and reduce the red tape. Miller: Our quality schools are preparing our young talent for the workforce, but to remain in Lorain County, that same investment needs to be made in our infrastructure and site development. This will make Lorain County attractive to outside investment, leading to job creation in advanced technology and manufacturing. Collaborative partnerships between our local, state and federal officials can provide targeted investments in Lake Erie and our harbors, the remediation of key brownfield sites, expanding water treatment capacity and reducing congestion on our roadways. Through these investments, our district will be ripe for economic development that can sustain future generations. Ramos: Quality educational opportunities. From Pre-K, so kids show up ready to learn in kindergarten, to good public schools and opportunities beyond. Debt-free college, job training, or apprenticeships is key so everyone can match their natural talents to the education they need to fulfill their goals. Providing this opportunity gives more options for a better paycheck, and in turn, a highly educated and skilled workforce will encourage more good-paying jobs to come to Lorain County. By finishing debt-free, it will make it easier for people to buy a home sooner. This all bolsters the economy. Everything is connected to education.