Experienced politician hoping to serve second term for district

BUCYRUS - Local farmer and former district representative, Steve Reinhard, is hoping to make a return to state politics. 

If elected, this will be Reinhard's second time as district representative. He previously served from 2001-2008 in the role. He's also served as a Crawford County Commissioner, is on the board of the Ohio Soybean Council and the United Soybean Board.

"I think that Columbus could use some leadership, for one and (I) would like to go back to serve the people of the 87 district," he said. 

When he previously served in the role, he said that he was able to make progress despite the tough economy. 

"We were able to continue to increase funding to schools and help to reorganize some things in state government and change the business tax structure in Ohio to help make it a little more friendly for the business environment," Reinhard said. 

He said he's excited to get back to work at the state level.

"It was a challenging time but it was pretty interesting and for that reason, I'd like to go back and help work on some of the issues that we have, today even," he said. 

Reinhard mentioned that currently, the issues that the area faces are focused on getting resources, care, education and promoting growth in the area. 

"A lot of the issues that I'm interested in are focused here on the local level ... I think that rural jobs and opportunities that we have for our young people are always going to be a big concern," Reinhard said. 

He wants to encourage younger entrepreneurs to bring their businesses to the 87 district and even looking at providing more health care in rural areas, so that families can have a comfortable life here.

A graduate of Wynford High School and native of the district, Reinhard also currently operates the family farm that his father started in 1956. They primarily raise corn and soybeans and also sell seeds. More recently, they have started to get into fertilizers.

He hopes this experience as well as his previous experience in both local and state governments will allow voters to support him in the upcoming election. 

"I just like to build the strength of family and continue to support out rural area and the way we like life here," he said.