Proven Leadership Delivering Results for Our Community
Summit County Council—District 1
Currently serving on the Summit County Council.
The county council is passing 99-100% of all legislation with bipartisan support.
Macedonia City Council
As President of Macedonia City Council, I was instrumental in launching many improvements to our City Government to the benefit of the community. The city was in debt and wasting funds on budget items that didn’t directly benefit our residents. During my time on the council, we altered the course of Macedonia’s fiscal policy and revamped spending trends to achieve more positive results.
With my leadership, Macedonia realized some notable accomplishments:
- The city’s previous debts were reconciled, and Macedonia went from deficit spending to a 10% annual surplus, all while LOWERING tax rates by ¼%.
- More than $200 million in State and Federal funding was obtained to introduce a variety of improvements, including the extension of major interstate roads and the expansion of playground equipment in our parks.
- A new focus on economic development resulted in hundreds of new jobs, the retention of several large manufacturers considering relocation, and increased housing, retail development and assisted living facilities.
- Police and Fire Rescue staffing levels were restored to pre-2008 levels and a program was implemented to upgrade police and fire vehicles and equipment.
- After evaluation of city roads, a budget was initiated to repair a decade of decay.
- City employees received a pay increase after a 3-year freeze.
Positions on Issues
Reproductive Rights:
I believe every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body. The government has no business making decisions that affect a woman’s health. I will fight to reverse those excessively harsh “trigger” laws put in place for Ohio as soon as the Federal Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Gun Safety:
I am a strong advocate for gun safety and violence prevention. As a member of a family of gun owners, I do not believe in taking guns away from law-abiding citizens who can pass common-sense gun safety and background checks. I believe schools should be provided with a professionally trained safety force for the safety of our children.
Education
I trust educational administrators and educators to do what is necessary to provide our youth a well-rounded education without excessive government oversight. I believe every child should have access to high-quality education from kindergarten through high school and beyond. I will support fair funding for our public schools and vote against efforts to divert public school funding to private schools.
Workers’ rights
Coming from a family of union members, I believe in a workers’ rights to unionize, however, union members should be expected to pay dues. Living wages can help reduce poverty AND the tax burden on society. Additionally, low-wage workers need social programs to be able to afford housing, food, healthcare, etc.
Voting rights
Voting is a fundamental right. I will challenge any attempts to disenfranchise voters.
Same-sex marriage
A family is a family, even if it doesn’t look like your family.
The government has NO right to define what a family should look like.
Veterans
As a society, we have an obligation to those who have served to protect our democracy. I believe every veteran deserves a program for a successful re-entry back home after fighting for our country. I would like to be a part of implementing a program that would provide job opportunities, free healthcare, and support for those battling with PTSD and substance abuse.
Environment
I agree with the experts and the science. Ohio must put a higher priority on reducing its dependence on oil and coal, encouraging development of clean energy sources, and protecting our waterways and Lake Erie.
Health Care
The United States is the only western country without universal health care. I want to explore how other states and other countries provide health care for all and find a solution that could work for our citizens. The government should control outrageous pharmaceutical pricing.
Count on me to work tirelessly for you and our community!
Rita Darrow www.ritadarrow.com
Paid for by Janice Oakley, 925 Canyon View Rd., Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
