JEFF CLAPPER

It has always been my belief that if I was willing to express an opinion about decisions being made in my community then I should also be willing to get involved in the decision making process. That belief has led me to spending the better part of the last decade in local government. After getting my start on Kent’s Planning Commission I ran for and was elected to Kent City Council where I now serve as President. My next goal is to take all of my experience and desire to serve my community to the Ohio State House as Representative for District 72 where I will work to make life better for all Ohioans.

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The main issues I will be focusing on will be.

Protecting Portage County from Large Data Centers

Portage County’s farmland, natural resources, and quality of life deserve to be protected. I believe local communities should have a strong voice in decisions that impact their neighborhoods. I will fight for greater local control, transparency, and responsible development to ensure that large-scale data centers do not negatively impact our residents, infrastructure, water resources, or rural character.

Affordable and Accessible Health Care

No family should have to choose between paying their bills and receiving necessary medical care. I will work to improve access to quality, affordable health coverage while supporting practical legislative solutions that reduce costs, increase transparency, and put patients before politics.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

Ohio families deserve access to safe, affordable housing. I support policies that encourage the construction of workforce and affordable housing, remove unnecessary barriers to development, and help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership while protecting existing neighborhoods.

Ending the “E-Check” Requirement

Portage County residents shouldn't be forced to pay for and take time out of their schedules for mandatory E-Check inspections when many newer vehicles are already built with advanced emissions technology and onboard diagnostics. Ending E-Check would reduce costs and inconvenience for working families while treating Portage County the same as many other Ohio counties that do not have the requirement. We can protect clean air through modern vehicle standards and enforcement while eliminating an outdated mandate that places an unnecessary burden on local drivers.

Expanding Access to Higher Education and Skilled Trades

Whether a student chooses college, a trade school, an apprenticeship, or workforce certification, every Ohioan should have an affordable pathway to success. I will support expanding access to higher education, career technical training, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs so that every student can build a successful future right here in Ohio.

Ending EdChoice

Every child deserves a strong public education. I believe Ohio should fully invest in its public schools instead of diverting taxpayer dollars away from local districts through the EdChoice voucher program. Our public schools are the foundation of our communities and should receive the resources they need to help every student succeed.

Protecting Women’s Reproductive Freedom

Personal medical decisions should remain between a woman and her healthcare provider. I support protecting reproductive rights and ensuring that Ohioans can make their own healthcare decisions without unnecessary government interference.