Two candidates running for state Representative for 67th House District

Melanie Miller, 40, incumbent Party: Republican Education: She graduated from Midpark High School in 2004 and Polaris Career Center, where she completed the medical assisting program. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication and digital media and film from Cleveland State University. Family: She and her husband, Matt, have been married for 18 years and reside in Ashland. Matt Miller currently serves as mayor of Ashland. Job history: She is completing her second term in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and portions of western Medina County. She also serves as executive director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, where she has worked for more than a decade. Previously, she served as youth ministries director at The Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland. Her earlier career included television, media and professional dance, including work as a Cleveland Cavaliers dancer. She was crowned Miss Ohio 2006 and Mrs. Ohio America 2011. Website: www.MelanieMillerForOhio.com and Melanie Miller for Ohio on Facebook. Heather Sample, 48 Party: Democrat Education: She attended Ashland City Schools and graduated from Ashland High School in the Class of 1996. Family: She is a wife and mother in a blended family of four. She married her husband in 2017 after knowing him since elementary school. Job history: She has spent nearly a decade working in the legal field, including offices handling civil litigation, domestic relations, family law and criminal defense. She currently works for a criminal-defense practice serving courts throughout the region. Website: heatherlsample.com Incumbent Melanie Miller, a Republican, and Heather Sample, a Democrat, are running for state Representative for the 67th House District in the November election. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Miller: I bring both experience and a deep commitment to the people I represent. As a small-town community leader, nonprofit executive, and now state representative, I have spent my career listening, building relationships and finding practical ways to serve others. During my time in the Ohio House, I've worked to deliver results for Ashland and Medina counties while remaining accessible and responsive to constituents. I understand that representing our district is about more than casting votes in Columbus — it's about showing up, listening to concerns and working to make our communities stronger. I'll continue bringing that same commitment, experience and work ethic to the job. Sample: I bring a perspective grounded in the everyday experiences of the people I hope to represent. I'm a mother, wife, caregiver, legal professional and community leader who understands what families face when the bills are due, someone gets sick or they need help navigating complicated systems. I've spent years listening to people and serving my community, including as chair of the Ashland County Democratic Party. I'm running to bring that same accessibility, compassion and determination to the Statehouse and to make sure the people of Ashland and Medina Counties have a representative who listens and shows up. What is the biggest challenge facing the district, and how would you address it? Miller: One of the biggest challenges facing our district is keeping our communities affordable for families, particularly as property taxes and other costs rise. I believe Ohio must continue pursuing meaningful property tax reform that provides greater predictability and relief for homeowners while protecting the essential services our communities depend on. As a state representative, I have voted for significant tax reductions and will continue supporting practical reforms that address the underlying issues — not simply shifting the burden from one taxpayer to another. Our goal should be sustainable communities where families can afford to live, work and raise a family. Sample: The cost of living is one of the biggest challenges facing families across our communities. Housing, groceries, utilities and healthcare continue to take larger portions of household budgets while many families are working harder just to keep up. In the Statehouse, I would focus on lowering costs, protecting and fully funding our public schools, expanding opportunities for good-paying jobs and ensuring taxpayer dollars benefit the communities they come from. We need to make Ohio a place where working families can afford to live, raise their children and build a future. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at 330-721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.