Ed Jerse, candidate for State Senate 25th District

Jerse, 56, is a 47-year resident of Euclid. He served on Euclid City Council from 1989 to 1993 and as a State Representative from 1995 to 2004. He recently retired as Cuyahoga County’s director of regional collaboration.
If elected, Jerse said he would like to focus on economic development, education and the rebuilding of Ohio’s infrastructure.
On economic development, Jerse said, “We should revitalize key, bipartisan programs that have been adrift: Third Frontier, Clean Ohio, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, Technology Investment Tax Credits, and the Ohio Capital Fund. Business leaders are not satisfied with the current advancement of these programs. I would push for a comprehensive review of the status of these programs and for a reinvigoration of them.”
On education, Jerse said he supports early childhood education, a focus on improving educational attainment and aligning curriculums with job opportunities.
Jerse said Ohio’s infrastructure needs to be rebuilt and the need far outstrips the funds currently dedicated to that task.
“A solid infrastructure attracts and sustains businesses; the rebuilding of the infrastructure brings high-paying jobs,” he said. “I would document and emphasize the need and advance the case that the rebuilding of the infrastructure would be a greater engine of economic growth than marginal income tax cuts, which disproportionately favor the wealthy.    
As a State Representative, Jerse said he was a frequent spokesman for the Democratic Caucus on the most complex issues.
“Despite being in the minority, I authored two substantive bills, on day care safety and video voyeurism, that became law,” he said.

Ed Jerse election questionnaire by The News-Herald