Ohio University Graduate Student Senate President Eddie Smith Announces Bid for Statehouse Seat

Strategic Insights -

Ohio University Graduate Student Senate President Eddie Smith has announced his bid for the 94th District of the Ohio House of Representatives, citing his commitment to addressing issues of higher education, environmental policy, and economic development in the state. Smith, a Democrat, is running for the seat held by Democrat Debbie Phillips, who will be term-limited out of office in December 2016. A native of Martins Ferry, Smith has lived in Athens since 2008 and has been a vocal advocate for students and faculty at Ohio University.

Key Takeaways:

  • Smith is running as a Democrat for the 94th District of the Ohio House of Representatives, a seat currently held by term-limited Democrat Debbie Phillips.
  • Smith has served as a leader in student government at Ohio University and has advocated against tuition hikes and fee increases during his tenure.
  • Smith is concerned about the impact of "irresponsible oil and gas firms" on small Ohio communities and has criticized Republican candidate Abe Alassaf for supporting fracking in Wayne National Forest.
  • Smith's platform includes creating clean energy jobs, increasing K-12 funding, and decreasing college tuition.
  • Smith believes that Ohioans are growing tired of "business-as-usual" from their government and that the state could benefit from fresh perspectives and youthful minds in the Statehouse.
  • Smith has not officially filed to run for the seat, but has expressed his intent to do so before the December 16 deadline.

Statistics:

  • 94th District of the Ohio House of Representatives
  • December 2016: term limit for current representative Debbie Phillips
  • 2008: year Smith moved to Athens to attend Ohio University
  • 3: number of master's degrees Smith has earned at Ohio University
  • 1: number of additional master's degree Smith is currently pursuing at Ohio University
  • December 16: deadline for candidates to file to run for the 94th District seat

Sources:

  • "Ohio University Graduate Student Senate President Eddie Smith Announces Bid for Statehouse Seat" by Lauren Fisher
  • Smith's website
  • "Previous Post report"
  • News release sent by Eddie Smith on Monday