Mary Alice Reporting-
Four are vying to be their party nominee and potentially the House of Representative for Ohio’s 51st district.
The district includes Tuscarawas county and a small portion of southern Stark county.
Those seeking the seat are Democrats John Bazaar and Joe Rinehart and Republicans Brett Hillyer and Jodi Salvo.
Incumbent Hillyer says since his time in office, they have cut taxes three times, the state went from seven tax brackets down to two, and if re-elected, he would continue to defend the second amendment, and currently a workforce bill under consideration.
“I’m the only candidate in the race that’s endorsed by the NRA and that signed the tax pledge. I’m the only candidate that’s committed to securing our border through co-sponsorship of policies like e-verify, and committed to cutting taxes and getting good policy done for the state of Ohio.”
Salvo says she decided to run because she felt a disconnect between how the district was being represented and who we are as a county. In her current role as Empower Tusc coordinator and at OhioGuidestone, Salvo notes she’s familiar with Columbus.
“I testify on legislation just to make sure when it’s crafted it makes sense in our rural community. If you vote for Jodi Salvo you’re going to get someone that’s going to hear, going to listen, and going to learn, and going to advocate.”
On the Democrat side, Bazaar, a retired mechanical engineer, says he is not a politician but is passionate about several issues.
“I’m about people’s rights, LGBTQ, women’s reproductive rights, voters’ rights, workers’ rights, veterans’ rights, the whole gambit. I do not appreciate the constant erosion of our rights as time goes on.”
An interview request was sent to Rinehart but a reply was not received.
The two winners on the March 19th Primary will face their opposing political party candidate in November’s general election.
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