Graig Bansek, Mike Baker compete in Ohio House District 52 Democratic primary

Mike Baker Age: 40 Party: Democratic Education: Associate degree, applied science in multimedia Family: wife Allison; sons Christian, Nathan and Logan; daughter Emma Job history: Owner, First Choice Photography, 2008 to present Website: BakerForOhio.comGraig Bansek Age: 54 Party: Democratic Education: Master's degree in education from Clarion University in Pennsylvania; master's degree in administration from Ashland University. Family: wife, Christine; son Connor. Job history: Superintendent, Columbia Local Schools, Columbia Township, August 2009 to present, will retire July 31; principal, Columbia High School, 2004-09; assistant principal, Midview Middle School, Grafton, 2001-04; high school English teacher, Midview High School, Grafton, 1995-2001; substitute teacher, Lorain Schools, January to May 1995; youth basketball and baseball, travel baseball and basketball coach. Website: Graig Bansek for Ohio House Two Democrats are vying for a chance to represent Ohio House District 52 in Columbus. Mike Baker and Graig Bansek, both Elyria residents, are the challengers for their party's nomination May 5. The district includes Elyria, Avon, North Ridgeville, Amherst Township and Elyria Township. The winner will face state Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, in the November election as he runs to replace his mother, Rep. Gayle Manning, R-Avon, who currently has the District 52 seat. What makes you the best candidate for the position? BAKER: I'm a working-class candidate who understands the real challenges families in our community face because I've lived them. I grew up in public schools, relied on programs like food assistance and Medicaid, and now run a small business right here in the district. I'm not a career politician, and I won't take corporate money. I'm running to lower costs, fully fund our public schools and make sure working families finally have a voice in Columbus. This campaign is about putting people first, not special interests. BANSEK: I have spent my entire career as a public servant, serving students, staff, families and our community, and I bring deep knowledge in school funding, property taxes, fiscal responsibility and building strong relationships. I'm running because I know these issues are directly impacting families here in District 52. I will fight to make healthcare more affordable, support working families and seniors, stand up for labor and ensure our public schools are properly funded without overburdening local taxpayers. Most importantly, I will bring a strong, experienced and collaborative voice to the Statehouse, one that puts people first and works to deliver real results for our community. What is the biggest challenge facing the state and how would you address it? BAKER: The biggest challenge facing Ohio is affordability. Too many families are working hard but still falling behind as housing costs, property taxes, healthcare and everyday expenses keep rising. I would address this by reforming our broken school funding system to reduce the burden on local property taxes, lowering prescription drug costs, and investing in good-paying jobs that allow people to stay and thrive in our communities. We also need to stop giving handouts to corporations and instead invest that money back into working families and local economies.BANSEK: School funding/property tax reform. The lLegislature abandoned the bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan, which was designed to calculate the actual cost of educating every child. Lawmakers have funneled over $1.8 billion into the EdChoice Voucher Program, giving private and parochial schools more state funding per child than our local public districts receive. When the state fails to meet its obligation, the burden shifts directly to our property taxes. We are seeing a record number of levies on the ballot because the state has broken its promise to the 90 percent of Ohio students who attend public schools.