Caldwell, Ohio – Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State and a candidate for the U.S. Senate, engaged with government and law enforcement representatives from four counties during a meeting at Lori’s Family Restaurant in Caldwell on Saturday afternoon.
LaRose, vying for the Republican nomination, emphasized the significance of the upcoming primary election on March 19. He expressed a clear mission for the chosen nominee – defeating Sherrod Brown in the November U.S. Senate elections, highlighting the national implications of the Ohio Senate outcome.
Officials from Noble, Morgan, Monroe, and Washington Counties attended the meeting, where various concerns and questions were raised. Among them, Flite Freimann, director of Job and Family Services in Washington County, inquired about policies implemented by the Secretary of State’s office to facilitate the process of starting a new business in Ohio.
Responding to the query, LaRose emphasized the commitment to making business initiation easy in Ohio. He highlighted the efficiency of filing business paperwork within 24 hours, coupled with the lowest fees in the Midwest, aiming to support entrepreneurs and business growth.
Mark Warden, Chief Deputy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, expressed the growing challenge of opioid use in the region. He underscored the multifaceted impact of drug-related issues, affecting not only law enforcement but also the economy and the overall community.
Freimann added to the discussion, shedding light on the significant number of children in Jobs and Family Services custody due to drug-related offenses. Addressing the cycle of poverty and multi-generational trauma, he echoed LaRose’s call to break this cycle through intervention and support.
The meeting delved into the complexities of addressing drug-related problems, with discussions on inmate populations, the strain on county resources, and the financial burden faced by various departments, including Children’s Services.
As the primary election approaches, such engagements provide an opportunity for voters to gauge the perspectives and plans of candidates, shedding light on the critical issues faced by local communities.