“As a business man legislator I bring quality business skills,” Hackett said. “I have strong skills in the financial arena. I have advance degrees in the insurance area. I’m an investment advisor. I work with a lot of investment clients. I work with businesses in employee benefits and pension plans.”
Kirk, a homemaker and former economic development professional, left the workforce almost four years ago. Now, he is running for office because he is ready to help people with similar economic backgrounds improve their lives.
“It was an interesting experience doing economic development because I can appreciate what they were trying to do, but I also felt that it wasn’t addressing some of the core issues that people that are poor or middle class are really dealing with today,” Kirk said.
We asked Hackett and Kirk questions about the state income tax, their qualifications and other issues as part of our voters guide. See some of their answers below. Find other answers and learn about other candidates and issues on the ballot.
Q: Ohio has consistently cut income taxes over more than a decade. Do you support further reductions or increases in the state income tax? Why?
Robert Hackett: I do support our continuing to improve the business environment in Ohio and of course one way is to keep improving the tax environment that businesses must operate here in Ohio. My strong economic background leads me to believe more dollars in the hands of the consumer and business owner in Ohio will be better for Ohio. The public sector is doing a much better job in operating efficiently, but they can do better and operate even more efficiently. Also, we should continue to cut unnecessary regulations that create much higher costs for businesses to operate. Remember, a better economy is the best solution to creating both a quality environment for businesses, plus key quality services being provided to the citizens of Ohio.
Matthew Kirk: I support an increase in the highest tax bracket in Ohio which will affect only taxpayers making more than $200,000 per year. I am a member of this bracket and know my family can easily afford to pay more in taxes. Not only can we afford to pay more, but if you give me more in tax breaks, I am either going to invest it or save it. Giving me a tax cut does nothing to stimulate the economy. I will be the first to say I do not believe more taxes and more money are the answers to our problems, but I can also admit those at the top are benefiting the most in Ohio while the less fortunate and their children struggle to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, and are on the verge of giving up all hope. I do not want to have to choose between supporting early childhood education or higher education. I believe all of our kids deserve a chance.
Q: The 2016 presidential election has been very divisive. What are your thoughts on it and the current state of party politics?
Robert Hackett: I feel this election reflects the views of many of our electors who are not happy with the current political system in this country. The style of both candidates does not mirror my style as either an elected official or as a businessman. However, I am like most electors who are frustrated about the lack of change in this country, as our leaders in Washington continue to run up a budget deficit that is completely unacceptable. There is a lot of talk in Washington, but little action.
Matthew Kirk: I feel cheated. Instead of having a conversation about the real issues facing people in America we are getting a schoolyard shouting match. I am not surprised, but I am disappointed. I believe people feel economically and physically insecure. Our economy has recovered very unevenly, and many people either have had a reduction in quality of life or fear they will. They have been told for years how it is us against them and to pick a side as politicians continue to draw lines of division with each wedge issue. This insecurity has made the climate ripe for someone like Donald Trump to emerge and prey on people's fears. On the other side we have Hillary Clinton, who ironically as the first woman candidate also represents the political establishment of whom people have grown weary. More than ever we need a new class of politicians who will supplant the political elite and put people first in our policy making, but this is not our choice. We either get the establishment candidate or an entitled billionaire who has exploited the system for years, bilking hardworking people out of their money either through his casinos or Trump University. America, someone is stealing our chickens and we can either hire a fox or the baddest hen out there to fix the house. I know who I am going to pick. Either way I am hoping and will be working for major healing after this election because we need to come together. The middle class is disappearing in this country, and if we do not work with each other it will cease to exist.
ROBERT HACKETT
Age: 67
Home: London
Political party: Republican
Political background: Two terms, Madison County Commissioner; four terms, Ohio House of Representatives 74th District.
Website: http://www.bobhackettforohio.com
MATTHEW KIRK
Age: 34
Home: Yellow Springs
Political party: Democrat
Political background: First race.
Website: http://www.kirklovesohio.com
About the Author