In the 36th Ohio House District, Democrats hope to recapture territory once held by Stephen Dyer. Dyer lost his 2010 bid for re-election to Todd McKenney, who later resigned to become the Summit County Probate Court judge. To fill the vacancy, Republicans appointed Anthony DeVitis late last year. He now faces a challenge from Paul Colavecchio, a Cuyahoga Falls Democrat.
We recommend the election of Anthony DeVitis on Nov. 6.
DeVitis brings both a background in small business and experience in local government to bear on the task of representing the suburban district, which covers the southeast portion of Summit County. He places a high priority on creating a friendlier environment for small businesses, for example, by streamlining municipal income tax collections from multiple jurisdictions.
DeVitis is well aware of the landscape facing small businesses. He is the co-owner of three businesses, among them DeVitis & Sons, an Italian specialty food store. DeVitis also served on the Green City Council, elected in 2009.
Colavecchio, a former union president and staff attorney for the United Auto Workers legal plan, is now in private practice. He has run twice before, for the Ohio House and the Summit County Council, gaining familiarity with the district. He stresses the value of a well-educated work force, arguing, among other things, for using a severance tax on oil and natural gas to fund schools.
He is a solid candidate. Still, the edge goes to DeVitis, for his pragmatic approach, his potential to work across the aisle at a divided Statehouse.
