Democratic voters in Ohio’s 60th House District will be choosing between two candidates in the May 5 primary election: Shelby Kimball and Eli Wenzel.
The district includes parts of southern Delaware County, including Powell, Lewis Center and the Polaris area.
There are also two Republicans running in the primary: Incumbent Brian Lorenz and Peggy Guzzo.
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.
Shelby Kimball
Age: 33
Candidate website: kimballforohio.com
Background: I’m a mom of four, a Marine Corps and Army veteran, and a criminology student at The Ohio State University, where I’m completing my degree with a focus on public policy and systems that impact everyday families. I’ve spent years navigating the same systems many Ohioans rely on, public schools, healthcare, and economic support programs, which has shaped my commitment to practical, people centered policy. I’ve not held prior elected office, but my experience in service, leadership, and advocacy has prepared me to step up and deliver real results for my community.
Why are you the best candidate? I’m the best candidate because I understand, firsthand, the systems I’m running to fix. As a mom of four and a veteran, I have experience with systems like our public schools and healthcare that most Ohio families engage with daily. I also am no stranger to economic uncertainty. I don’t have to guess at how these systems can be improved or how economic instability affects families… I know because I’ve experienced it.
My military service taught me accountability, discipline, and how to lead under pressure. In the Marine Corps, excuses don’t solve problems, preparation and follow through do. That’s exactly how I’ll approach this role.
I’m also not a career politician. I’m running because I saw where policy failed my family and others in our community, and I decided to step up and be part of the solution. I will show up, listen, do the homework, and make decisions based on what actually helps people, not what helps corporations.
What is your plan for addressing rising property taxes? High property taxes can largely be attributed to the intentional underfunding of our public schools and local governments by our state. As the state continues to strip funding away from public schools and local governments that fund our first responders, in order to maintain those services, the money has to come from somewhere. It comes from property tax increases. My plan is to shift toward a system where the state properly and fairly funds public education, using more stable, statewide revenue instead of relying on frequent local levies.
At the same time, we need real, immediate relief. That means strengthening the homestead exemption so seniors and those on fixed incomes aren’t taxed out of their homes, and creating targeted relief for low and middle income families, like income based property tax caps or circuit breakers.
I believe it’s also only fair that large corporations pay their fair share in taxes since the community is ultimately providing resources, infrastructure, and a workforce for them. For too long big businesses have received huge tax breaks that continue for decades after their facilities have been built and they’ve turned a profit. If we are asking every Ohio family to chip in, big businesses should be, too.
What, if any, role should state government have in addressing the shortage of housing in central Ohio? State government definitely has a role to play because the housing shortage, specifically affordable housing shortage, has become a burden for families across the state. While zoning decisions are local, the state can remove barriers and create incentives to increase supply. That starts with unlocking what we already have, vacant office and retail buildings that can be converted into housing with the right support.
We should also incentivize communities to allow more housing options like townhomes and starter homes, and invest in workforce housing so essential workers can afford to live where they work. This is about increasing supply in practical ways so families can actually afford to stay in their communities.
What, if any, role should the state government have in regulating data centers? Do they have a place in your community or not? State government should absolutely play a role in regulating data centers. As technology advances, they have a place in our communities, but only with strong, responsible oversight.
Data centers can bring economic benefits, but they also place real demands on our energy grid, water supply, and local infrastructure. That’s why the state must set clear standards to protect the environment, ensure sustainable resource use, and prevent costs from being passed on to local communities.
I support bipartisan efforts already underway in the Statehouse to create thoughtful regulations that balance economic growth with accountability. We can welcome innovation and investment, but not at the expense of our environment, our communities, or the people of Ohio.
Eli Wenzel
Age: 28
Candidate website: wenzelforohio.com
Background: I am a proud Central Ohio native who works in the construction industry, helping people from humble circumstances begin new careers in the skilled trades and learn more about the opportunities available. I am passionate about the future of Central Ohio as a good place to live, work, and grow, and have dedicated myself to working to make our region and state the best place it can be for all of us. BA – McGill , Masters – Georgetown.
Why are you the best candidate? I am a deeply proud Ohioan who has seen many people of my generation choose to make their lives away from here because they no longer view Ohio as a place of opportunity. Our campaign is dedicated to fighting for the causes that we consider essential to the future of Ohio.
1) Public services and education: The state legislature has failed to fund public education fairly, and is antagonistic towards other public services like libraries. These services bind our communities, shape our lives, and make our home a good place to live.
2) Economic growth: There is no substitute for a strong economy, and though Central Ohio’s is strong, that strong performance must be maintained by a balance of pro-growth policies and protections for workers and families less powerful than giant corporations.
3) Anti-culture war: The zealotry of the state government tells so many people that they are not welcome here – and that sends so many people and dollars away.
I ask for my neighbors’ support not for my identity or personal story, but instead so that we can build a coalition across party affiliation to stand up for public services, economic opportunity, and an accepting home for all people.
What is your plan for addressing rising property taxes? In my opinion property tax relief begins with the state government funding public schools fairly. Repeatedly, the state government has short changed local districts’ state contribution, forcing districts to ask more of local tax payers. Proper funding contributions from the state government for schools, and other public services, will ease the upward pressure many face. Additionally, safeguarding common sense protections for fixed income home owners, like the homestead exemption, helps legacy residents cope with rapid growth and appreciation of their properties.
What, if any, role should state government have in addressing the shortage of housing in central Ohio? The state is limited in its abilities to help ease the pressure in the housing market given that many of the critical zoning and tax policy decisions happen at the local level. However, the state still has a role to play. The most important role for the state to play is to incentivize local governments to build more housing/be housing friendly, which could include infusions of state cash to local funds when new housing projects are approved and completed. The state should also continue with the housing development assistance programs that make development of housing easier. First time homebuyer assistance programs, which the state has, are helpful for those working to buy their first property.
What, if any, role should the state government have in regulating data centers? Do they have a place in your community or not? The state should continue to provide a pro-growth environment for businesses that want to spend money in Central Ohio and support our economy. Through my work in the construction industry I have seen first hand the difference these investments – like data centers – make in the lives of working families. It is reasonable, however, to expect data center developers to pay for their energy consumption, use and dispose of water responsibly, act with transparency, and invest in communities in a meaningful way. Data center developers have enormous sums of money, and communities should ask them to make investments in local schools, infrastructure, and other public services. The state legislature has largely retreated from funding public education and local funds; in the absence of state support private investment from well-healed companies is the best option for funding that local government entities need as our region grows.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Two Democrats are running in the Ohio House District 60 May 5 primary
Reporting by Anna Lynn Winfrey, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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