1206 Fighting for the Holmes County connection: Hovis, Miller among those seeking seat vacated by Gibbs

  • By Robin Hauenstein
  • December 2, 2010
  • 277
                        
When Holmes County Commissioner Joe Miller learned the Republican Party was seeking applicants for the seat vacated by State Senator Bob Gibbs, he felt it was important to have a Holmes County person apply and get the job. When Rob Hovis, the GOP’s county chair, found out about the application period, he felt it was an opportunity to not only serve this area, but also find a way to fix some statewide problems. Gibbs was elected in a landslide victory over Democrat incumbent Zack Space to the 18th Congressional District and will begin his two-year term in Washington, D.C. in January. The Lakeville resident leaves behind the four-county State Senate District 22. Residents from all four counties have shown interest in filling the vacancy, which has two years left in its term. Besides Miller and Hovis, Bonnie Drushal of Wooster, Matt Miller of Ashland, Chuck Calvert from Medina, and Richard Repasky, also of Medina County, have also put their names in for consideration. Hovis, the Holmes County Republican Party chair as well as an at-large member on the state board of education, said the appointment would be an opportunity to go beyond making state policy for education, to possibly help in the repair of statewide schools. “I guess a lot of it (the application) stems from my seven years on the state board of education,” he said. “School districts are in bad shape in our bigger cities.” Hovis said he’s learned about the problems while serving on the state board of education. “It’s an opportunity to bring education issues to a higher visibility.” Hovis was quick to point out that while education is a passion, so is a fiscally sound state. He views the Gibbs state senate seat as “an opportunity” to stem the growth of state government, as well as curbing the taxation problems that he thinks are driving away economic growth, and make Ohio less competitive for attracting jobs. “I think shrinking state government is a priority,” he said, and also felt it was important to right Ohio’s sinking economy and create job growth. He knows his work is cut out for him. Hovis said the frontrunner for the seat is Calvert, a former state representative. Even though there are so many candidates, and more may enter, Hovis said, “I just decided to stay in it and see where it goes.” For Commissioner Joe Miller, it was important that a seat held by Gibbs, a Holmes County resident, should stay with a Holmes Countian. He put his name in for consideration out of concern for the community and the people he serves as commissioner. “I’d like to see the seat filled by someone from Holmes County. I have mixed emotions about leaving here, doing what people have elected me to do,” Miller added. “I’ve really got a plateful here,” as county commissioner, he said. However, Miller noted, “Holmes County needs a voice” in the state capital. “I am thrilled, at this point, that so many people have applied. My main concern is that a good candidate gets the job.” He also added the four-county district is large, and demands commitment. Miller’s passion focuses on the problems of roadways in Holmes County, and the state’s travel infrastructure. “Our traffic has increased so dramatically,” he said, pointing to bad road conditions in the area, and what he sees is an important need to improve them. Miller feels a Holmes County presence in the state senate is crucial because, as he pointed out, with the streamlined sales tax issue a few years ago, then-State Rep. Gibbs was in the fight for his Holmes County constituents. “When you are part of something, it means much more,” Miller said, about the importance of knowing the county and its needs. He said anyone who fills the seat will have “big shoes to fill,” with a legacy left by Gibbs. The county commissioner went on to praise the incoming freshman Congressman as someone who “goes above and beyond mediocrity.” As for Hovis, if selected, it would mean giving up his state board of education seat, something he’d do with mixed feelings. He has two years left on that term, and said if selected to serve out the remainder of Gibbs’ term, he’d also want to run for re-election. “I don’t just want to be a caretaker.” His full-time job would remain as an investment representative for Edward Jones, and he laughed, “I guess it will probably teach me time management,” if chosen. The decision of who will fill Gibbs’ vacated state senate seat will be made by the Republican caucus of the state senate in early January.


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