Kiera McGuire
Editor-in-Chief
Election Day in the United States (U.S.) is on Tuesday, Nov. 3. One of the major sections on the local ballot is the District 7 candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. People eligible to vote in Wayne, Medina and parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes Counties will choose between four candidates for the House of Representatives: Democrat Brian Poindexter, incumbent Republican Max Miller and Independent write-in candidates Thahbia Asad and Andrey Martinichin. The Voice reached out to these candidates to learn more about their major policy goals, motivations for running and interests in engaging with their constituents. Statements from Poindexter and Martinichin –– the two candidates who responded to requests for comment –– are highlighted below. Multiple attempts were made to contact Miller, with no response. The Voice was unable to find contact information for Asad. Interview responses are cut down for space.
Poindexter
Background: As a previous Brook Park City Council elected member in Cuyahoga County, and union ironworker, Poindexter noted that his working experience sets him up to inform policies for constituents.
“What I realized is that people are longing for representatives who understand what they’re going through, and in a way, I believe my blue collar background gives me the most strength,” Poindexter said. “I know what it’s like to put in a 40-hour-plus work week, I know what it means to put a grocery back on the shelf … I know how those policies impact everyday, average, working families, and that’s what our district is made up of … politicians of Washington [DC] have forgotten the average everyday person, and I’m running to remind them who we are.”
Hot Issues in Ohio: Poindexter mentioned multiple aspects of the state government he would amend: combatting the increasing cost of living, removing blanket tariffs that negatively affect farmers and the everyday price of goods and undoing healthcare cuts made in previous years. Specifically, Poindexter also said he would “sign on right away to the [Protecting the Right to Organize] PRO Act to make sure more workers can join unions” and increase worker wages.
Poindexter continued with his goals for the federal government, centering around the idea that “Washington has become very corruptive.” Steps mentioned to limit this corruption include banning members of Congress from trading stock, overturning the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, and ending tax cuts to the wealthy.
Voter & District Engagement: When asked about increasing voter & district engagement among district 7 constituents, Poindexter stated: “If I’m fortunate enough to get elected by my peers here in Ohio 7, I have planned to commit to doing at least quarterly town halls –– whether they’re in person or virtual. When I’m not voting and doing a committee hearing in Washington [DC], I will be in the district, making sure that people have real representation.” He also mentioned opening satellite offices throughout the district, believing that engagement with the community one serves is integral to the role of representative.
Pertinent Information for college-aged students: “I have a daughter who recently graduated college, and I have a daughter who is currently in college, and I have one that will be entering college within the next few years. I know that the future that they’re walking into isn’t as bright as the future that I walked into when I graduated high school. I’m fighting hard to make sure that we set the stage for the future generations of American students ….”
Martinichin
Background: Martinichin’s decision to run for office is inspired by his goal to “be a man for others.” In his current career as a nurse, Martinichin interacts with and advocates for many different groups of people.
“One of the most vulnerable groups I’ve taken care of as a nurse, especially now, are immigrants,” Martinichin said. As someone whose parents and husband immigrated to the U.S., Martinichin placed emphasis on advocating for those who are more vulnerable to persecution for their identity or citizenship.
“It is important to have someone in Congress who will do what it takes, stay up all night (like I do regularly) and get things done despite what others may believe or think, in order to do what is best for Ohioans,” Martinichin said.
Hot Issues in Ohio: In his responses to the Voice, Martinichin mentioned multiple issues within the federal and state governments that he would like to reform.
Regarding healthcare, Martinichin believes that in order to transition to a “Medicare for All scheme” like other countries, the current system must be overhauled to focus on care standards and change the business model of healthcare.
Other initiatives Martinichin mentioned include the creation of a new governing document regarding immigration, reforms for term limits in Congress and the Supreme Court and a ban on stock trading for members of Congress.
Martinichin is also passionate about energy security. He claims that “Nuclear energy is one of the safest forms of power – however, many people still have reservations and rightly so with the few nuclear incidents that have happened around the globe,” advocating for a mass education campaign for Ohioans on the subject.
Finally, Martinichin stated that he views the protection of gay marriage rights, abortion rights and public education as important issues.
Voter & District Engagement: A recurring theme in Martinichin’s response was the importance of keeping Ohioans informed and participatory. “Having townhalls and many of them, participating in community events, and being seen in the district would help bridge the gap between politician and people,” he said. Martinichin added that one way to foster bipartisan discussion would be to create a debate forum focused on free speech and communication between political parties. This way, views of the constituents would be highlighted. “As a nurse, a human, and as a possible future politician, I am open to growth, new ideas, and forming new opinions that make me a better, well rounded individual,” he said.
Pertinent Information for college-aged students: Martinichin is 30 years old and is currently in college working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He shared his pride in attending community college to get to where he is today, and encouraged young people to let their voice be heard –– whether that be through protesting, volunteering or even running for office.
“This certainly will not be my last race, I am serious when it comes to wanting a better tomorrow for our country and for my fellow countrymen and women,” Martinichin said. “The journey for me to be a ‘man for others’ continues.”
For more information on the upcoming election, please visit your local polling offices and trusted websites for candidate information.
