Ashtabula County Auditor David Thomas has announced that he has filed his petitions for the newly-drawn Ohio House District 65 in the Republican Primary on Monday.

Thomas is the grandson of retired Trumbull County Recorder Diana Marchese. He officially announced his candidacy at his grandparents' farm in Johnston Township on Monday.

According to a press release, Thomas's platform centers around promises of better customer service, conservative values and property tax relief for farmers, seniors and homeowners.

"I'm running because I'm tired of politicians in Columbus forgetting who they work for and not achieving real help for our taxpayers," Thomas said.

Additionally, Thomas points to the recent spike in property values and the resulting taxes as an example of the need for new leadership in his district, which covers Ashtabula County and northern and eastern Trumbull County.

"Ohio is a conservative state and we should govern like it. That means less spending, having actual tax reform and giving more power back to local governments and the people," Thomas says.

Specific policies Thomas points to has priorities include changing the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) process to help prevent spikes for farmers, increase the Homestead benefit and eligibility for seniors and disabled residents, boosting the owner occupancy credit for homeowners, allowing more flexibility to local government for revenue and giving greater power to county budget commissions to lower tax rates.

 

The primary election will be held on March 19, 2024 with early voting starting in February.