Columbus – Ohio Senate President Bill Harris (R-Ashland) today announced that State Senator Mark Wagoner (R-Toledo) has been selected by his fellow Republican Senators to serve as the Ohio Senate’s next Majority Whip for the 128th General Assembly, which convenes in January.

“In the time that Senator Wagoner has been part of the State Senate, he has proven himself as someone who can, in a bipartisan fashion, bring differing views and opinions together to achieve a common goal the benefits all Ohioans,” Harris said.

It was a night for the Democrats! Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States, and consistent with its “bellwether” status, Ottawa County voted with the winner.
Feeling a Democratic wave coming, at least one Ottawa County Republican was worried. Incumbent Steve Arndt felt it could cause him to lose his bid for re-election to County Commissioner. Instead, he is bringing a friend along with him in Mark Stahl. Arndt defeated Debra Benko by a 56-44% margin while the race between Stahl and Port Clinton City Council President Linda Hartlaub was much closer, like barely a 2% margin.
“I was very concerned about a Democratic wave,” said Arndt. “I expected defeat.”  It was a defeat that didn’t materialize. Last spring, Arndt approached Allen Township Trustee, Mark Stahl about running for the seat to be vacated by Carl Koebel.

I have been privileged to serve as a Sandusky City Commissioner for three years, currently as ex officio mayor.  During that time, I have been especially involved with economic development as well a governmental cooperation.  I lead Sandusky’s water regionalization negotiations, which resulted in a partnership with Erie County and the City of Huron.  I also helped to finalize the long-stalled sewage treatment partnership agreement with Erie County.  Both are important, long-term infrastructure agreements that will support both residents and economic development.

What would I do when I get elected?
It is all about the economy: bring jobs to Ohio, school funding, shortage in Medicaid funding, receiving affordable healthcare, etc… When we have a good economy with high employment rates, low taxes and a low cost of living, the state source of income increases, and the state has more ability to help where it is needed.
I will be a representative who will address the issues: Ohio being one of the highest taxed states in the nation, with high Workers Compensation rates, high utility costs, along with the cold weather four months of the year. I will lead the charge in lowering the state Income tax which hinders all of us from making ends meet. The revenue lost from lowering the Income tax will be offset by the economic growth which will be encouraged since Ohio will be a more job friendly state.