Wednesday, March 1, 2000
Ohio House 36th District (Rep.)
BY PHILLIP PINA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Republican voters will choose between a newcomer and a former Madeira mayor for the District 36 seat in the Ohio House.
While both candidates point to issues such as education and taxes, residency has become a key topic in the race. Michelle G. Schneider, who was mayor of Madeira from 1997 to 1999, tells voters on the campaign trail she has lived in the district all her life.
“I am an experienced and proven leader who has lived in this community all my life and knows how to work with its constituents,” Ms. Schneider said.
Her primary opponent, Charles Tassell, moved into the district about four months ago. It's not a matter of time, said Mr. Tassell, endorsed by conservative anti-tax groups challenging party-backed candidates. Voters should consider what the candidate represents and what they will do for them if elected, he said.
“I will represent the citizens in Columbus. She will represent Columbus to the citizens,” Mr. Tassell said.
On the main issues, Ms. Schneider supports tax credits for families who home-school or send their children to private schools. She would also like to see more decision-making power taken away from state education leaders and given to local boards and teachers.
She is also calling for a tax cut, saying the state continues to collect large surpluses at the expense of local taxpayers.
“We've had a state surplus since 1993. We need to cut taxes and return that money to the voters,” Ms. Schneider said.
Mr. Tassell would like to see a full voucher program that would give parents who send their children to private schools, or teach them at home themselves, a financial break. He also says a grant program should be developed to help capital projects at charter schools.
“Education is one of the most important things we are going to deal with, and parents should have a right to school choice,” Mr. Tassell said.
THE CANDIDATES
Michelle G. Schneider
Personal: 46, 8138 Maxfield Lane, Madeira. Owns a home health agency. Attended Ohio State University. Family: two sons, Daniel and Justus.
Experience/qualifications: Member of the Madeira City Council since 1993 and was mayor from 1997 to 1999. She serves on the board of trustees of the Madeira School Foundation and is a small business owner.
Charles Tassell
Personal: 30, 6949 Lynnfield Court No. 134, Sycamore Township. Director of governmental affairs for the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Apartment Association. Bachelor's degree in philosophy and religion from Cornerstone College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Family: Wife, Regina, and a son, C.J.
Experience/qualifications: Aide for Cincinnati City Council members for several years before taking his current post. He is chairman of the Blue Chip Young Republicans and treasurer of the Ohio League of Young Republicans.
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