Ohio2006 Blog

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Tuesday, April 25

Ohio House 44th: Sykes (D) Endorsed by Beacon Journal

Former Rep. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) has been endorsed by the Akron Beacon Journal in the Democratic primary to choose a candidate for the seat held by his spouse, Rep. Barbara Sykes (D-Akron), now running for State Auditor, who succeeded him in office. The primary winner will face Joseph Crawford (R-Akron) in the general election.

Vernon Sykes served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1983 to 2000, when he was forced to step down by term limits, and also served on the Akron City Council. He has a Ph.D. in public administration and directs a program for Kent State University students who want to learn about state government. Praising Sykes' "knowledge, experience, [and] savvy," the editors point out that "as assistant majority floor leader and chairman of the Black Caucus, Sykes sponsored important bills in the House on housing discrimination, ethics, open meetings and school funding." Sykes is motivated to serve again by "the prospects of the Democrats gaining a new measure of clout, and with it the opportunity to influence the state's course," including "focusing on education funding" and bringing a commitment help "the disadavantaged who often lack a strong voice at the Statehouse."

Sykes' primary opponent is Patrick Bravo, a Navy veteran now working on degrees in law and public administration at the University of Akron, having previously worked for the Trumbull County sheriff's office and the Brookfield Township police department. The editors describe Bravo as "bright and energetic" and "a welcome fresh face," whose "concerns are education funding and job development." However, "the difference in this race stems from the many skills that Sykes would bring to the legislature."

1 Comments:

At 1:01 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Visit Joe Crawford Akron District 44 , a republican candidate running against Sykes. Stand up for Akron.

 

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