Few candidates during this election cycle have presented a convincing array of accomplishments and ideas without also emphasizing the inadequacies and disqualifications of their opponents. The devolution of our nation’s political discourse is omnipresent, as it has permeated our politics for many years.
However, this is not the case for one particular local candidate, Stephen Spoonamore, who is running as an Independent for Ohio’s 1st District State House of Representatives seat. The 1st District encompasses approximately all of Wayne County, with just over 100,000 constituents. Ron Amstutz, a Republican, who has occupied the seat since his election in 2008, is not running for reelection. As Ohio law stipulates that no representative can serve longer than eight consecutive years in one chamber of the legislature, Amstutz has reached his term limit.
Instead, Scott Wiggam, one of Wayne County’s current County Commissioners, is running as the Republican to replace Amstutz. Spoonamore, a local businessman and community leader, is challenging what would have otherwise been a routine transition of power from one Republican to another in our predominantly red county.
I am writing to make the case for Spoonamore from the perspective of a Wooster student. Spoonamore’s connection and commitment to the College runs deep and spans several years. He and his wife, Charlene Gross, moved to Wooster in 2004 for Charlene to become the Resident Costume Designer and Production Manager at the Ohio Light Opera, which operates here on our very campus. Gross also teaches in the theatre department at Wooster. Spoonamore, an accomplished playwright in his own right, has volunteered on numerous occasions to help in many of our theatre’s productions.
Beyond this personal connection to the College, Spoonamore has also worked extensively with the College, as he cofounded ABS Materials, Inc. with chemistry Professor Paul Edmiston. ABS Materials is the culmination of years of research conducted by Edmiston and his student research assistants during the mid 2000s. Spoonamore shored up the business end of the enterprise as the company’s CEO. ABS Materials showcases everyday what Wooster faculty and students can accomplish; Spoonamore was essential in making that dream a reality, which is why for his work, ABS won the 2011 Ohio Chamber of Commerce award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. ABS Materials continues to employ many College of Wooster graduates.
Our institution could not possibly have a better friend in the state legislature. Spoonamore recognizes and values the College’s commitment to collaborative lifelong learning, research and academic achievement. Beyond his experience with and commitment to the College, Spoonamore is also incredibly qualified for this office. You can learn all about his qualifications by visiting his campaign website, or by reading much of what has been written by the Daily Record about Spoonamore over the years.
Spoonamore was even on campus for an interview with Woo 91 morning show DJ Jack Berthiaume ‘17 last Tuesday morning. One can view this interview by checking out the recorded live stream by visiting The Morning Show on Woo 91 via Facebook. In this divisive political climate, it is remarkable for my friend Jack and I to see eye to eye in our affirmative support of one political candidate on his merits alone, without even having to hear why Wiggam ought not be our representative.
We need politicians that bring disparate interests across the aisle for common purpose, and this begins by giving us, the voters, reasons to actively like, rather than fear, those who seek to represent us.
Fritz Schoenfeld, a Contributing Writer for the Voice, can be reached for comment at FSchoenfeld17@wooster.edu.