Sharon Ray sworn-in as state rep. for 69th House District

State Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, officially was sworn in Monday for her first term of office as the state representative for the 69th Ohio House District. The district includes most of Medina County and Ray is the first female to hold the seat. "I'm excited about the make-up of this Legislature, we have a diverse and unique mix of representatives," Ray said in a statement. "I believe this will bring forth some creative solutions for the people of Ohio as we move through these difficult times." Ray has previously served as Medina County commissioner and as Wadsworth city councilwoman. She has also sat on the Medina County Board of Elections, United Way of Medina County, Red Cross of Medina County, Community Partnership for Arts and Culture and the Salvation Army of Wadsworth. Ray began her career working at Roadway Express, now YRC Worldwide, and later went on to become a certified bailiff at Wadsworth Municipal Court. She also worked as the community services director/probation officer at the municipal court. Ray made note of several of her priorities for the upcoming year. "I'm passionate about easing the adoption process and supporting our foster care system; the opioid epidemic has produced a generation of orphans that deserve loving families," she said. "I am also interested in expanding the technical and vocational programs in our schools, so we graduate workforce-ready young adults."