Veteran vs. Rookie: The 72nd District Race for the Ohio House of Representatives
The race for Portage Counties 72nd District is between a veteran politician who has held the seat for eight years and a first-term incumbent challenging her for the seat.
Democrat Kathleen Clyde, former representative of the 72nd District, held her seat for four terms. But in 2020, Clyde stepped down to take Democrat Mike Kerrigan’s seat on the Portage County Board of Commissioners in 2020.
After the redistricting of Ohio, the 72nd district incorporated much of the 75th precinct leaving Clyde at odds with the 75th district representative, Republican Gail Pavliga who is in her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives.
The new 72nd precinct Incorporates Mantua and Aurora into its current boundaries that includes Kent, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Rootstown and Randolph. It does, however, leave out most of the southern part of Portage County.
This is not Pavliga’s first attempt at turning a blue seat red. During the 2020 election cycle, she was able to unseat Randi Clites from the 75th district.
Pavliga runs on a platform of continuing her work that she started at the 75th district including mental health reform, tax cuts, workforce development, and higher education.
“I’m very blessed to represent an area that not only has great higher education institutions, but also a medical school,” said Pavliga During a press conference on October 13, 2022. “I sat down with these institutions and am discussing what we can do. It’s one thing to say ‘yes we can do this,’ it’s another thing to actually put boots on the ground to assist with mental health needs.”
Pavliga has a historical interest in mental health, serving as vice chair of Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee from 2021-2022. She also served on the Higher Education and Career Readiness Committee and the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee during that time.
“I feel like I do bring that strong voice of mental health and the needs of the community,” Said Pavliga. “It’s an honor to work with Senator [Teresa Gavarone, Republican] and NEOMED to provide mental health services and recovery to those who need it.”
Pavliga discussed her desire to reform mental health help and higher education on a State and National level as well.
Clyde looks to continue her legacy from her previous term, supporting education, environmental protection and firearm restriction.
During an interview with the League of Women Voters, Clyde said she would stop diverting public money to for-profit charter schools and give it back to public schools.
“We should rely less on local property taxes and more on the state funding formula to adequately fund our state’s K-12 public schools,” said Clyde.
Clyde also supports environmental efforts to protect local drinking water and increasing Ohio’s renewable energy portfolio as well as supporting electric vehicles and easier access to public transportation. She also supports increased funding to the local parks systems.
“I support the strong stewardship of our park systems and other public lands in order to protect these ecosystems for future generations.” Said Clyde
Clyde takes a hard stance on fire arm regulation, believing that Ohio should repeal recent legislation that removed training requirements that obligates citizens to notify law enforcement when carrying a concealed weapon.”
Clyde’s work on the Citizen Redistricting Commission is evident in her campaign as well.
“The state should respect municipal home rule and avoid unfunded mandates,” Said Clyde. “It may be appropriate, however, for the state to restrain local government when those entities adversely affect the rights of vulnerable populations, such as through harmful zoning or discriminatory practices.”
About the Candidates
Clyde began her education in Middletown, Connecticut at Wesleyan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. She then attended Ohio State University where she obtained her degree in Law, graduating as a public service fellow on the Dean’s List.
After graduating from Wesleyan, Clyde pursued her first job in politics, working on John Kerry’s campaign as Ohio College coordinator. She also worked as a law clerk for the Ohio Secretary of State as an election official at the Franklin County Board of Elections and as deputy legal counsel for the Speaker of the Ohio House.
Before being appointed to the county commissioner seat, Clyde was slated to leave office due to term limits term in 2018 after an unsuccessful bid against Republican Frank LaRose for Secretary of State.
Pavliga began her educational at Kent State, receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology and science. She went on to receive a master’s degree in individual/family studies and counseling as well as her Ph. D. in educational psychology from the University of Akron.
Before Pavliga took her seat at the 75th District, she worked at Malone University as a counselor and adjunct Professor. Malone university is a private Christian college in Canton.
Notably, during her time in the 75th district, Pavliga helped establish the Court Appointed Special Advocates program in Portage County which advocates for children in court who have been victims of abuse or neglect. She also Helped establish the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline and worked with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction services to address funding issues.
How to Vote
Election day is on Nov. 8. Absentee mail-in and early in person voting began on Oct. 12. Find your voting location at the County Board of Elections directory. Voter registration status can be checked at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
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