Ohio House District 67 has two candidates running in the November election

For the upcoming November election, Democratic candidate Drew Burge and Republican candidate Melanie Miller are running against each other for Ohio House of Representatives District 67. Drew Burge, 39 Party: Democrat Education: He graduated from Brunswick High School, and has a BA from the University of Akron and an MBA from Ashland University. Family: Wife, Rebecca, and a dog named Zeus. Job History: Nearly 20 years of management experience. Website: facebook.com/DrewBurgeforOffice/ Melanie Miller, 36 Party: Republican Education: She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Digital Media from Cleveland State University and is also a graduate of Midpark High School and Polaris Career Center. Family: Married for 14 years to Ashland Mayor Matt Miller. They have one niece and five nephews as well as their 4-pound Yorkie Beckham. Job History: Currently serves as executive director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center and has for seven years. For nine years she served in full-time ministry at The Salvation Army Kroc Center and was on church staff directing youth and children's ministry. She was a writer, producer and on-air TV personality for five years and a medical assistant for three years. She is also a former Miss Ohio 2006 and Mrs. Ohio America 2011. Website: melaniemillerforohio.com What makes you the best candidate for this position? Burge: I am the best candidate to represent our area in Columbus because I am from here. I am one of us. The biggest need for our district is to have a public servant who is committed to listening and enacting the wishes of our constituents. We do not need someone who will cower to the political elite. I have always stood up for what I believed in, even when it isn't popular. Unlike my opponent, I want to represent everyone, not just the ultraconservatives. Miller: Many elected officials, community and business leaders have endorsed me because they know that my 20-plus years of experience in the private sector, including leading a nonprofit, have prepared me to be the best servant leader for our district. When a state policy is preventing communities from being successful, conservatives know I have the grit and fortitude to navigate state bureaucracies and solve problems. I truly care about the people of our district. I am not running for office for personal gain. I am running for state representative because people need a proven conservative leader they can trust. What is the biggest challenge facing the House district, and how would you address it? Burge: Political division. We are so politicized to the point where two sides cannot even speak to each other. That is not how we can fix what's wrong in society. I would tackle this challenge by constantly holding town halls throughout the district to let my constituents know what's going on and to seek their input. I would work to strengthen relationships with everyone, regardless of political affiliation to find a solution to the problem. Miller: The stagnant economy and public safety are the primary issues. Whether dealing with rising gas prices, inflation, or the lack of available workforce to fill vacant jobs, we need someone representing us who is pro-business and will bring conservative solutions. That's why groups like Americans for Prosperity and National Federation of Independent Business have endorsed my candidacy. Additionally, in Washington, Democrats are putting our public safety at risk by relentlessly trying to defund the police. I've earned the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and local law enforcement because it's of paramount importance that they are defended, not defunded, at the state and local level. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.