Tristan Rader

Robert Dintaman

by Bruce Checefsky

     (Plain Press September 2024) Tristan Rader (D) and Robert Dintaman (R) are candidates for Ohio House of Representatives District 13 and will appear on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024. Both men are from Lakewood and bring expertise and an understanding of the issues. They share a concern about the future of Ohio and seek to champion policies that support economic growth, enhance public education, and ensure the well-being of all residents.

     The Ohio House of Representatives District 13, represented by Michael Skindell (D), is the lower house of the Ohio General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Ohio, and represents citizens based on district populations. There are 99 Ohio House Districts. The Ohio Senate represents citizens in larger district, each made up of three Ohio House Districts. There are 33 Ohio Senate Districts.

     As of the 2020 Census, Ohio State Representatives represented an average of 119,281 people. Members of the Ohio House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are limited to serving four successive terms of two years. The Ohio House members earn $71,099 a year for what is legally a part-time job. Many legislators are paid more because of salary supplements for chairing committees. Members of the Ohio Senate serve four-year terms and are limited to two consecutive four-year terms.

     Skindell announced his retirement last December, clearing an unopposed path for Rader, who advanced from the Democratic primary on March 19, 2024. Dintaman also ran unopposed.

Tristan Rader

     Rader, a graduate of Kent State University and Cleveland State University and Ohio Program Director for the non-profit Solar United Neighbors, serves on multiple boards and as an elected member of the Lakewood City Council. He expressed concern about the direction Ohio is heading in an interview with the Plain Press, pointing to attacks on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community, which includes a large population in District 13. House Bill 68, a ban on gender transition treatment for minors, has a ban on trans athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.

     Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed HB 68 late last year, but Franklin County Judge Michael Holbrook recently upheld the bill, arguing that transition treatment is too risky for anyone under the age of 18.

     “It is appalling and certainly not what people want in this district,” said Rader. “We have a strong voice. Lots of people from this area showed up to testify against HB 68.”

     Rader added that people are fighting for the heart and soul of the state in every election, especially during the presidential elections, with the right becoming more radical, challenging, and pushing to take away the rights of Ohioans.

     “We have to stand up to that,” he said, “whether it is passing initiatives to create maps and showing up in Columbus in force to push back on HB 68, for example. We have to continue to be vocal.”

     Rader would like to see a universal healthcare system based on Medicaid by expanding those benefits to everyone in the state. He wants Medicaid benefits to continue for those in the program. Cities in Ohio should decide for themselves the basis for a fair living wage, which he advocates would increase living standards.

     Earth and health justice are among his core values. Rader wants to cut carbon emissions and create a system where no one fears losing health coverage or going bankrupt due to medical debt.

     “Our healthcare system requires urgent reform to become cost-effective and guarantee coverage for all of Ohio,” he said.

Robert Dintaman

     Robert Dintaman, born in Mansfield, attended Ohio University in 1995 and received an undergraduate degree in political science. He continued his studies at the University of Akron School of Law and moved to Cleveland to begin his law career. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary last fall.

     As a State Representative candidate, Dintaman wants to seek relief from the burden of high property taxes on the senior community, champion policies that support economic growth, enhance public education, and ensure the well-being of all residents. He attributes working one-on-one with individuals to solve their problems that have inspired him to run for Ohio State Representative in District 13. His approach to campaigning has been more grassroots, he told the Plain Press, shaking hands and meeting people when he can.

     “This is my first go around,” said Dintaman about running for political office. “It has been interesting, and I have enjoyed it. I get a lot of help from my friends. I have not gone the traditional route with a big website, but I am getting my message out by talking to people.”

     As for renewable energy or traditional energy sources, he supports all types of innovation to make lives better and more productive. Dintaman is open to ideas for a better healthcare system. He admits to having no preconceived solutions but would work collectively with other state legislators to help the people get what they need.

     Dintaman considers himself a problem solver, working with clients to solve their issues, and wants to take his experience to the state capitol. His legal practice spans more than twenty years. He has seen and heard about everything, representing civil and small business cases, development consulting, and criminal practice. He pledges to seek tax relief for the senior community, ensuring people bearing the burden of the property tax system receive the support they need.

     “With a wealth of legal expertise and a deep understanding of the issues facing our district, I would like to focus on seeking relief from the burden of high property taxes on our senior community,” said Dintaman.

     In the latest round of reappraisals, property values have increased by 32% on average across Cuyahoga County. Property values increase does not mean property tax bills will increase by the same proportion. Still, residents are concerned. East Cleveland values are up by 67% and Maple Heights by 59%. Hunting Valley, by contrast, is seeing a 15% increase. Homeowners can file informal complaints about their new property values at the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office, Appraisal Department, 3rd Floor, 2079 East Ninth Street in Cleveland.

     “I hear people talking about their property tax increases all the time. It spurred me to think maybe this is something I can do for them in Columbus,” said Dintaman. “We need to start listening to the folks that need some help. I want to represent the people in my community and my district on issues like this.”

     The general election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Online registration deadline is Monday, October 7, 2024. Register by mail deadline must be postmarked by Monday, October 7, 2024. The in-person registration deadline is Monday, October 7, 2024. The Ohio Registration Form is at http://www.ohiosos.gov. To register online, provide an Ohio license or identification card number, name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number; voting options and registration in Cuyahoga County link: https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters.