by Laura Freeman

Reporter

Cuyahoga Falls -- Hudson at-large Council member Mike Moran made his bid for the Ohio House of Representatives officially Nov. 28 at the Cuyahoga Falls River Pavilion. Moran announced he will seek the Democratic party nomination for the 42nd Ohio House District seat in the 2008 election.

Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus), who represents the 27th District, introduced Moran to a crowd of approximately 50 people.

Beatty said Moran understands government, business and economic development.

"He will help us to restore respect in government," Beatty said. "I could not think of a better candidate to join our colleagues in the House of Representatives."

Moran, 43, of East Case Drive in Hudson, said economic development, quality education and affordable health care are issues important to him and citizens of the 42nd District.

Moran said he would support businesses that create jobs, update technology and infrastructure, build Ohio economically and address health care concerns.

An educational system that helps the community is also an issue he supports.

"I'm a product of a public education and support public schools," Moran said. "I will work with my fellow legislators to find a constitutional solution to our school funding here in Ohio."

Moran said everyone needs quality health care that is affordable and accessible.

"My character, skills and abilities make me an effective representative," Moran said. "I'm an active listener, responsive communicator and hard worker. I look forward to working hard for you in the Ohio House of Representatives."

Besides Beatty, House Representatives Matthew A. Szollosi (D-Oregon) of the 49th District, Stephen Dyer (D-Green) of the 43rd District, and Brian G. Williams (D-Akron) of the 41st District were present to support Moran. Stow Mayor Karen Fritschel and Lisa Zeno Cerano, clerk of courts for Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court, offered support to Moran, as well as Cuyahoga Falls Council members Jerry James, Diane Colavecchio and Tim Gorbach.

Moran and his wife, Barbara, have two daughters, Makayla, 6, and Megan, 4. Moran has civil engineer and law degrees. After graduating from Georgetown Law School and passing the bar exam, Moran worked for a corporate law firm and then his own law office before working for a contractor for the U.S Department of Justice. For the past 12 years, he has worked as a manager of an editorial team for a law publishing company.

Moran was elected to Hudson City Council in 2005, and his four-year term ends in 2009. If elected to the House of Representatives, Moran would have to vacate his Council seat, which would be filled by a Council appointee.

Moran is a member of the First Congregational Church in Hudson, on the board of trustees for the Rotary Club of Hudson, a member of Community First and volunteers in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and for Habitat for Humanity.

"I'm proud of my efforts and accomplishments on Hudson Council," Moran said. "It's a great foundation for the work I feel I can get done in Columbus."

District 42 represents residents in Hudson, Silver Lake, Cuyahoga Falls, Munroe Falls and Stow. District 42 Rep. John Widowfield, (R-Cuyahoga Falls) has served four terms with the Ohio House of Representatives.

Widowfield recently lost a bid for Clerk of Courts of Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court to Zeno Cerano.

The primary election will be March 4 to determine party candidates, and the election will be Nov. 4, according to the Board of Elections.

Only Moran has taken out petitions to run for the District 42 seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, according to the Board of Elections. The filing deadline for the March primary is Jan. 4, and no one has filed petitions yet.

Widowfield had not returned phone calls by press time.

E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com

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