Two Republican candidates running for State Rep. for the 66th district

Clarification: Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee man for Senate District 22 Bill Heck, who serves on the Endorsement Committee for the ORP State Central Committee, said in a committee meeting on Jan. 27, that a vote was taken, the result of which, was to not endorse in the race for 66th State House Representative. He clarified that the ORP State Central Committee chose not to endorse in this race. Gary Fox, 46 Party: Republican Education: Bachelor of Science in U.S. government, 2021 Family: Married to wife, Naomi, four children, three by adoption. Job history: Pastoral ministry, regional field director for Jim Renacci, owner of Fox's Den Childcare (centers in Wadsworth, Creston/Seville, and Canal Fulton) Website: www.FoxForOhio.com Sharon Ray, 61 Party: Republican Education: University of Akron A.A.S. in marketing/accounting, certified bailiff, Wadsworth High School graduate Family: One son, Matthew, and grandson Roman Job history: Former Medina County commissioner, Wadsworth City Council member, Medina County Board of Elections member, Wadsworth court bailiff, spent 11-plus years as an internal auditor for Roadway Express at their corporate headquarters Website: www.SharonRay.org Two Republican candidates are running for the Ohio House of Representatives 66th District seat in the upcoming primary election: Incumbent Sharon Ray and Gary Fox. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Fox: My life of service, both as a minister in the church and as a longtime foster and adoptive parent, has given me insight into the struggles many people face in our district, by the failures of big government. As a successful small business owner, I understand how jobs are created, how heavy-handed regulation chokes the American dream, and how out-of-control government spending weakens the value of the dollars working people earn. As a graduate of Liberty University, I have studied American history and economics. We have inherited the tried-and-true blueprint from our founders for prosperity. Ray: My experience in both the public and private sector, and my knowledge of the district, have allowed me to "hit the ground running." Passing balanced budgets with historic tax cuts for both individuals and businesses, the Fair School Funding Act, and having five bills pass the House, including my Adoption Modernization Act. In addition, I was able to secure over $700,000 in funding for Medina County's Emergency Housing Shelter and operational funding for The Children's Center of Medina County. I was also able to secure funding for over $2.5 million worth of capital projects throughout the district. What is the biggest challenge facing the 66th District and how would you address it? Fox: Inflation is the greatest challenge facing Ohioans; this is particularly true in our district. We have a representative who has worked with the Democrats to make inflation worse, so much so that the Ohio Republican Party has taken the step of rescinding their endorsement of her. The solution is to take the political path of insisting that spending be cut, and regulations be slashed, particularly in the energy sector. Our current representative has proven she is a follower and not a leader, she isn't up to the challenge of dealing with the skyrocketing inflation in Ohio, but I am. Ray: I believe (the biggest challenge is) the high cost of property taxes across the district. The secret has gotten out about what a wonderful place Medina County is to live and raise a family, we have grown, and continue to grow, at a record pace. This has not only pushed the cost of housing up but the cost of necessary services and school funding. We must look at alternative ways to relieve the property tax burden. A joint committee was appointed to look at our antiquated taxing system and to make recommendations to provide relief to our residents. Contact reporter Patrick Rhonemus at (330) 721–4050 or prhonemus@medina-gazette.com.