Local candidates had the opportunity to introduce themselves to community members in the Candidate Forum held at Miami University Downtown in Hamilton on February 11, 2020. Four of the six Democratic candidates attended, as did more than half of the Republican candidates. While many of the Republican candidates are running in contested primaries, only one Democratic candidate is contested.
John Forren, Director of Menard Family Center for Democracy and Chair of the Department of Justice and Community Studies for Miami University, introduced the candidates. The event was co-sponsored by Miami University Regionals, Journal News and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Here is a brief introduction to the Democratic Candidates:
Vanessa Enoch, Representative to Congress (8th District)
Dr. Vaness Enoch is running for Congress because she cares about the struggling families in this district and she wants to use her passion for social justice to use in supporting the community. “I am frustrated with Washington bureaucrats ignoring the voices of the American populace.” Doc Enoch is running against Matt Guyette in the primary.
Kathy Wyenandt, State Senator (4th District)
Kathy Wyenandt, resident of Liberty Township, is running unopposed in the primary for State Senator. “Our campaign has been off to a strong start. We are hearing from concerned neighbors all across Butler County about their needs and we’ve come to realize that no one is advocating for them. Here in Butler County there are things our legislators can do to help us, however, they are too focused on special interests and extremist agendas to fight for our interests. I’m running to be Butler County’s next State Senator because we need someone in Columbus who will advocate for the needs of our county.”
Chuck Horn, State Representative (52nd District)
West Chester resident Chuck Horn is running for State Representative in the 52nd District because “doing nothing is no longer an option. Since 2000, I’ve seen the erosion of values. Our schools and healthcare are under attack.” He promised to do something positive for the community and wants to stand up for working people.
Michelle E. Novak, State Representative (53rd District)
Michelle Novak currently serves as an elected member of the Middletown City School district Board of Education, one of the largest employers in Middletown. “I love using my skills and experience in business, Public Administration, Strategic planning, and community advocacy to unlock the infinite potential of the people in our district. And I pray to be able to continue that work to support you, our hard working families, to remove barriers so that you can have the dignity and security in the work. that you do, so that you and your families can have access to quality education, training opportunities, and quality healthcare.”
Morgan Showen, State Representative (54th District)
Morgan Showen was not in attendance at the candidate forum. Before reaching voting age, he was an advocate on the subject of healthcare, leading fellow students to the offices of both Senator Rob Portman and Congressman Steve Chabot. Morgan hopes to bring a new generation of leadership to Columbus as State Representative.