CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed answers to Sen. Beth Lear that came from another candidate responding to The Dispatch voter guide. Her answers have been updated to the correct responses she provided The Dispatch.
Two Republicans are vying in the May 5 primary election for the 19th Senate District seat held by Andrew Brenner, who is term-limited in November’s general election. The winner will face Democrat Janet Wagner. The district includes Coshocton, Delaware, Holmes and Knox counties.
Ohio’s primary election is May 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early in-person at the Delaware County Board of Elections, 2079 US Highway 23 N Suite 4, or by absentee ballot. To vote absentee, registered voters must fill out an application to their county board of elections, complete the ballot the board mails to them, and must return the ballot by mail or at the elections office drop-off box by 7:30 p.m. May 5 when polls close.
The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.
Ohio’s 19th Senate District
Beth Lear
Age: 59
Campaign website: bethlear.com
Background: I am currently the State Representative for the 61st Ohio House District. I am in my second term. I graduated from Olentangy high school and went on to get my BA in international relations from the Ohio State University. I worked in the Ohio air National Guard, the Ohio House of Representatives as an aid, and then have been working primarily in the private sector with the Buckeye Institute, ABC of Ohio and other groups on education, labor, tax and Constitutional rights issues. I was elected to the Ohio House in 2022 and began to serve in January 2023.
Why are you the best candidate? The 19th Senate District deserves a state senator who has a proven record of working with colleagues to advance important issues while simultaneously maintaining their independence so they can be the voice of their constituents. I have both the track record of passing strong legislation that benefits the most vulnerable, protects parental rights, supports Businesses and protects our constitutional rights and a history of conservative activism that predates my elected office. I have the most experience with legislation and have proven effective at the Statehouse.
What is your plan for addressing rising property taxes? In addition to getting the House to add $4.2 Billion in property tax relief to our version of the budget, I am on the Ways and Means Committee which has passed numerous bills to provide relief and reform with my full support. I am currently working with colleagues on a plan to restructure school funding and move it off of the property tax foundation. If successful, we will have a new funding system and homeowners will save 60 to 80% on their property tax bill while protecting local government funding for townships, fire departments, etc.
What, if any, role should government have in addressing the housing shortage in central Ohio: In the immediate timeframe we need to eliminate programs that provide taxpayer-funded services for non-citizens. If there’s no incentive for illegals to live in Ohio, there will be more housing available while we look for additional solutions.
What, if any, role should government have in regulating data centers? Do they have a place in your community or not? The state is responsible for a safe environment for citizens. The Legislature is currently working on HB 646 to create a study commission to determine if there are negative health effects with data centers. Limited regulations for health and safety are the responsibility of good government. At this moment there are too many questions to allow more data centers in populated areas.
Ryan Rivers
Campaign website: riversforohio.com
Background: Business owner with experience in real estate, economic development and public-private partnerships. Graduate of Ohio University with a degree in communications. Previously served as an Orange Township Trustee and as president of the Delaware County Township Association.
Why are you the best candidate? I am the best candidate because I bring a combination of private sector experience and public service, along with a track record of delivering results. I have built businesses, worked directly with employers and communities, and understand the challenges facing Ohio families and job creators. I have also served in local government, where I focused on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, and effective governance. This perspective allows me to approach state policy with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. At a time when many voters are frustrated with politics, I offer a results-driven approach grounded in real-world experience and accountability.
What is your plan for addressing rising property taxes? Ohio needs to provide meaningful property tax relief to residents while ensuring adequate funding for our schools and safety services. The state needs to uphold its obligations to fund schools and promote operational efficiencies. This will greatly relieve the property tax burden felt by homeowners. Ohio needs to undergo a thorough review of state spending to identify opportunities to cut waste, fraud and abuse.
What, if any, role should government have in addressing the housing shortage in central Ohio? Ohio is a large and diverse state facing many opportunities and challenges. The General Assembly should be giving local communities the tools to address housing needs, while ensuring safeguards for taxpayers and promoting local control. It should be local residents and communities making these decisions, not politicians in Columbus.
What, if any, role should government have in regulating data centers? Do they have a place in your community or not? The key is understanding the costs and benefits that any proposed development, including a data center, has for local communities. I believe that local communities should drive decisions about whether data centers are built. The state should ensure data centers pay their fair share and that data centers are not being constructed where they are not wanted. We should ban property tax abatements for data centers. Taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing their costs.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Two candidates running in GOP primary for Ohio’s 19th Senate District
Reporting by Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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