Don Kissick, a Libertarian from Ottawa, Ohio, is running for governor in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton.

Asked why he is running, Kissick said in our candidate questionnaire: "Ohioans deserve a government that works for them, not political parties, powerful corporations or special interests. … I'm running for Governor to make Ohio more affordable, protect individual liberty and privacy, increase transparency and accountability in government, and give working families and small businesses a stronger voice."

Candidate information

Party: Libertarian

Occupation and work history: "I currently work as a Master Control Operator for a television station in Lima. My career has largely been spent in manufacturing, skilled trades, and technical roles. I worked for nearly a decade at Honda of America Manufacturing and have also worked as an HVAC technician."

Military service: "I served six years in the United States Navy as a Fire Controlman, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and serving during Desert Shield and Desert Storm."

Education: "I attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, where I studied Technical Communication from 1995 to 1998. I also completed extensive technical training during my service in the United States Navy …"

Family: "I am married to my wife, Sarah, and we live in Ottawa, Ohio. Together, we are raising our son, Jeremiah, and my stepdaughter, Cameron."

Experience and public service

Kissick said in our questionnaire: "I have not previously held elected public office." He said he has "served in several leadership positions within the Libertarian Party, including Chair of the Allen County Libertarian Party, a member of the Libertarian Party of Ohio Central Committee, and as a Central Committee Chair." He said he has "also previously been a candidate for Congress and the U.S. Senate."

On the issues

Top priority — property taxes: Kissick said his top priority is "making Ohio affordable for working families again, beginning with property-tax reform." He said he would "pursue legislation to begin phasing out property taxes on owner-occupied homes and family farms, starting with an approximately 25% reduction." He said the state would "simultaneously increase its responsibility for school funding and protect essential local services while honoring existing debt obligations."

Economy and cost of living: "We need more affordable housing by removing unnecessary barriers to construction and helping communities redevelop abandoned and tax-delinquent properties," Kissick said. He added: "Government cannot control every price, but it can stop making things more expensive."

Data centers: Kissick said he would "pause immediate construction of new data centers until affected communities have meaningful input and buy-in." He said data centers "should pay the energy, water and infrastructure costs they create rather than shifting those costs onto homeowners, farmers and small businesses."

Education and school funding: Kissick said he supports "strengthening the Fair School Funding Plan while reducing public schools' dependence on local property taxes." On vouchers, he said: "I have concerns about universal private-school vouchers, particularly taxpayer subsidies for families who already attended and could afford private schools while public districts struggle for resources."

Public safety: Kissick said he would "prioritize resources for local law enforcement, officer training and targeted efforts against violent crime, human trafficking and organized criminal activity." He also said "public safety should not become an excuse for warrantless mass surveillance."

Government reform: Kissick said on his campaign website that he wants to "ban legislators from becoming lobbyists for 5 years after they're in office" and wants "total transparency in government contracts and budgets."

The race is statewide. The governor sets the state budget, signs or vetoes legislation and appoints agency directors.

Candidate responses were collected through the West Chester-Liberty Herald candidate questionnaire. Answers have been excerpted for length and are presented in the candidate's own words.