Of the candidates running for the 92nd District of the Ohio House in November's election, one touts job development as Athens County's biggest concern, while the other focuses on unemployment and poverty.
Democratic incumbent Debbie Phillips said job creation and economic development is crucial to improving the county's economy.
Republican challenger Mike Hunter stressed that the crucial problems in Athens County, unemployment and poverty, are linked. Government has become so expensive that businesses are driven out of Ohio because of high tax rates, especially in Athens County, he said.
Ty Collinsworth, the green party candidate, could not be reached for comment.
Both candidates interviewed believe job creation is important to economic development in the county, but differ on their strategies to increase jobs in the area.
Phillips would continue to work with local economic development officials and invest in support for small businesses, she said, adding that she supports clean and advanced energy options because the industry is growing and could bring jobs to the county.
If elected, Hunter would focus on balancing the state budget so taxes can be reduced, making it easier and cheaper for businesses to operate, he said, adding that this would lead to an increase in jobs.
The candidates also had differing opinions on school funding.
Phillips supports any additional state funding for area schools that will help students compete in the global economy, she said.
Hunter wants to increase classroom sizes with fewer teachers, he said, adding that by hiring fewer teachers, the schools can be more selective and hire better educators.
(The education system) has been in limbo and will not be fixed overnight
Hunter said.
Phillips and Hunter also disagree on whether Ohio University students should be allowed to vote in Athens.
Phillips believes that, because of legislation regarding the issue, students have the right to vote at their school addresses, she said.
Students as with other citizens have the right to vote at their home
Phillips said. Since some students consider Athens to be their home
they vote here.
Hunter disagrees and said some students are well-informed so there is no reason they shouldn't vote in their hometowns, but when they vote in Athens, they are voting on issues that affect the citizens of Athens when they leave.
(Students being eligible to vote in Athens) is the rule
so we live with it
he said.
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Rachel Snively
