photo by: Julie Stenger

Mineworkers from throughout the Ohio Valley were among those who attended a meet-the-candidate event at Buckeye Local High School in Rayland Saturday evening. Dr. Amy Acton, Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, was among those participating.

In a season where single-digit temperatures and snowy roadway conditions have kept people huddled behind closed doors, residents of the Ohio Valley showed that they were willing to brave the elements Saturday to attend a meet-the-candidates event at Buckeye Local High School.

The evening included a presentation by Dr. Amy Acton, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in the May 5 primary election. The former director of the state’s Department of Health said her appearance felt less like a campaign stop and more like a homecoming, explaining she has family members in East Liverpool, Wellsville and other small villages along the Ohio River.

Her opponent in the Nov. 3 general election will be Vivek Ramaswamy, who is seeking the Republican nomination. They will be looking to succeed Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

Former state Sen. Lou Gentile, a Steubenville native and Democrat, introduced David Pepper, the candidate running alongside Acton for lieutenant governor.

Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, said their platform is rooted in government transparency and the protection of voter rights, adding it was time to root out corruption in Columbus to ensure state resources are directed toward merit and hard work rather than the pockets of special interests.

He specifically cited the need to provide relief for families struggling with rising property taxes.

Acton offered details about her “restoring lifelines” platform. She said that includes three pillars: Investing in public schools, lowering energy costs for residential consumers and expanding access to affordable childcare.

She emphasized her belief in solving problems Americans face in their everyday lives, rather than being the one creating them.

“My whole life I have not been partisan,” Acton explained, noting she has worked with five governors — mostly Republicans, with her first being Gov. Bob Taft. She noted she remains close to DeWine.

“Our problem isn’t about party right now,” Acton commented. “Our problem is about corruption in the Statehouse.”

The Youngstown native reflected on her own journey.

“I had a really rough childhood — a lot of abuse, a lot of neglect. I lived in a tent coming down state Route 11 in a campground in the middle of winter. I was finally lucky enough to get removed from that situation. But the thing that is a part of why I’m running is that I can’t look the other way while people are struggling in this state, working harder than they ever have and there’s no more breathing room. And, these bad actors and special interests keep taking us backward.”

Acton explained it was important to possess empathy in leadership.

“I will work with anyone who wants to solve a problem that affects our everyday life, and I need people to know that,” Acton continued. “This isn’t a partisan thing. It is time to have leaders who care about us and who solve all the things that are affecting our life.”

She mentioned the issue of affordability and the school system.

“Public schools are under attack right now,” Acton concluded. “And I think we all deserve better than this. I just can’t look the other way.”

After the formal event, Acton met with a group of mineworkers who are endorsing her.

Eddie Abdalla, chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, said the visit by the candidates was important.

“Today, the people of Eastern Ohio were proud to welcome Dr. Amy Acton and David Pepper to the Ohio Valley and to speak with them directly about the challenges facing our communities,” Abdalla said. “After 16 years of Republican control in Columbus, the results speak for themselves. Too many families in our region have been left behind, and the status quo is no longer working.

“As governor, Acton would take real action to address rising costs, from spiking health care premiums to rising energy costs that are putting serious financial pressure on working families and seniors across Ohio. She would also move to end the cycle of education cuts passed by Republicans — including our current state Rep. Ron Ferguson (a Republican from Wintersville) — over the past decade. Our public schools need to be fully funded so they can get back on solid footing and remain competitive with other states.”

Abdalla said Ohio’s place on the national stage has slipped, pointing to the need for a change in direction.

“Ohio’s drop in national rankings throughout the past several years didn’t happen by accident,” Abdalla continued. “It’s the direct result of decisions made by the Republican-controlled General Assembly and the executive branch in Columbus. Continuing down this path would be a mistake. This November, Ohioans can choose a different path forward by electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

“The Acton-Pepper ticket understands the realities facing working people in Eastern Ohio and is focused on delivering real results for our communities,” Abdalla concluded. “Their opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, has shown a clear disconnect from what families in the Ohio Valley deal with every day just to make ends meet and there is no reason to believe that will ever change.”