Economic Development

Ohio’s 99th District has historically been defined by hard work. Industries have shifted over time, and our current leadership has dropped the ball over the economic reality of our district. We need sensible, forward-thinking strategies that help businesses thrive, keep our workforce strong, and ensure long-term prosperity.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED

Too many local industrial sites have been left abandoned. Leaving them dormant wastes valuable infrastructure and pushes new development onto agricultural space.

Our capacity for trade work has exceeded the supply of trade workers and our state curriculum needs greater access to vocational training to meet the demands of emerging for labor.

Deliberate coordination is needed with economic hubs like Geauga County's Town Squares, Geneva-on-the-Lake, and Ashtabula's Bridge Street.

Goals

Direct state development funds toward local brownfield redevelopment, turning abandoned industrial sites into manufacturing hubs that create permanent jobs in Northeast Ohio without sacrificing our farmland.

Support prevailing wage legislation and prioritize local union contracts for work done in-district to stimulate our economy and create a shared sense of responsibility for our infrastructure

Implement coordinated management of our lakefront and increase license availablity boost tourism and support entrepreneurship

To build a resilient local economy, we need to support the industries that form the backbone of Northeast Ohio:

Manufacturing: We must attract manufacturers back to our district not by offering massive tax breaks to out-of-state conglomerates but by supporting locally owned facilities that invest in our industrial areas.
Trade and Workforce Development: As an educator, I know the importance of creating direct pipelines between our high schools, trade programs, and local industries.
Investing in vocational schools and fighting for prevailing wage legislation ensures our trades workers and first responders are equipped to build and protect our communities.
Travel & Hospitality: The revitalization of Ashtabula's Bridge Street proves what's possible when we support local entrepreneurs. By facilitating better communication between local governments and business owners, we can expand on this success.
Agriculture is a $2.1 billion-per-year industry in Geauga County, and Ashtabula County relies heavily on its over 1,000 farms and local wineries. We must protect local producers and ensure they have the support needed to operate for generations.
Healthcare: We must support the our district's nearly 10,000 healthcare workers who serve our communities by working to expand local, accessible care options so families aren't forced to leave the district for treatment.
Small Business: 68% of money spent at small businesses stays within local economies. Broad support for our brick-and-mortar business ensures their continued success and a stable source of labor for residents. Read more about supporting small business here.

Let's make Ohio a place where local businesses are supported, our workforce is valued, and our families can build lasting prosperity.