By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Crawford County Commissioner Steve Reinhard wants to go back to where he’s been and announced his candidacy for the 87th Ohio House seat this week in a press release.
Reinhard is in his first term as Crawford County commissioner and previously served as a state representative from 2001 through 2008.
“I think there are different things you can do,” Reinhard said in contrasting the public offices of county commissioner and state representative. “State representative is more of a policy oriented position. You can affect the county by what you do at the state level.”
The 87th District in the Ohio House includes all of Crawford, Morrow and Wyandot counties and parts of Marion and Seneca Counties. That seat is currently held by Jeff McClain (Rep.) of Upper Sandusky who is term limited and cannot run for another consecutive term. Reinhard, also a Republican, held the seat prior to McClain and served the maximum number of consecutive terms allowed as well.
Reinhard currently farms his family farm in Crawford County and sells DeKalb seed. He also serves as a volunteer Farm Board member, is vice chair of the Ohio Soybean Council. He has been appointed by Gov. John Kasich to the Ohio Exposition Commission of which he is the chair.
“I think it’s a good idea to get someone back down there with local government experience,” Reinhard said.
During his previous run in the Ohio House Reinhard chaired the Transportation Committee and received the Watchdog of the Treasury Award for his efforts to balance the budget.
That and Local Government Funds will be a focus for Reinhard if he successful in regaining the seat in November.
“I think the Local Government Funding situation, we tried to keep in check when we were down there before,” Reinhard said. “That’s taken more of the brunt lately.”
Reinhard, who taught for 10 years in the Crestview school system prior to serving in Columbus before, says education will also be a focus of his – especially as it applies to STEM subjects and how that relates to local priorities identified by Crawford: 20/20 Vision.
Reinhard also predicted water quality will also continue to be an ongoing issue faced by the state and the 87th District.
“That’s one big state issue we’re dealing with,” Reinhard said.
Not surprisingly, growth and change in the agricultural industry will also be important to Reinhard, particularly as it relates to raw materials and finished commodities which could be crucial to future industry and job growth in Crawford County.
Reinhard said he has learned from his experience as a county commissioner and that will affect his view of being a state representative if elected.
“It’s been interesting to see how the laws passed at the state level filter down to the local level.”
Reinhard earned his two bachelors of science degrees from The Ohio State University in Agricultural Economics and Agriculture Education. He is active in many agricultural groups including the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers and the Crawford County Soil and Water District.