Incumbent, challenger face off in Ohio's 82nd

Incumbent state Rep. Craig Riedel, R-Defiance, will face off against Democrat write-in candidate Elecia Wobler, D-Haviland, for the Ohio House of Representatives 82nd district in the Nov. 3 general election.

The district includes all of Defiance, Paulding and Van Wert counties and the northwest portion of Auglaize County, including St. Marys and Wapakoneta. The term is for two years.

Craig Riedel

Riedel, 54, is seeking his third term as state representative. He retired in 2015 as divisional sales manager for Nucor Fastener of St. Joseph, Indiana, prior to seeking election to the seat. He had worked in private industry for 27 years.

He and his wife, Danette, have two adult children and two grandchildren. He has a degree in civil engineering from Ohio State University.

Riedel cited his experience in private business as one of the main assets he brings to the office.

"That is my wheelhouse, my strength, those 27 years," he said. "The type of legislation that you will see me personally champion and try to move forward is any type of legislation that I believe will make Ohio a more prosperous state."

Riedel pointed to the role he plays in working with fellow members of the Legislature and constituent service as two of the reasons why he decided to seek re-election.

"The reason I am running for a third term is because I believe in my heart that I have a positive impact on the people I work with, the legislators," he said. "I truly enjoy the service part of it, helping people with whatever sort of problem they have."

Riedel said he plans to work to pass legislation he thinks would help bolster the state's economy.

"I would introduce legislation that would reduce unnecessary regulation to make Ohio a more pro-business, business-friendly state. I would propose legislation to do away with the prevailing wage requirement in Ohio. It burdens the taxpayers," he said of the law that requires local governments to pay a set hourly wage on public improvement construction projects for which state dollars are used to fund the construction.

Riedel said he and state Rep. Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield, are co-sponsoring a bill that "doesn't eliminate prevailing wage in its entirety" but would allow the decision on whether to pay prevailing wage to be made by local officials.

Elecia Wobler

Wobler, 38, is making her second bid for public office. She ran unsuccessfully in 2019 for Wayne Trace Local Board of Education.

She is the office coordinator at Westwood Family Dental in Van Wert. Prior to this, Wobler worked for 12 years as a certified dental assistant and expanded function dental assistant. She received her dental assistant training at Dental Group West in Toledo and Rhodes State College in Lima.

Wobler has owned Keepsake Beads by EAW in Haviland since 2012.

She and her husband, Brandon, have two sons.

Wobler said her work as office coordinator and business owner would help her as a representative.

"I have experience as a leader," she said. "I also have experience in public service."

The need for improved internet service to rural areas and better education are two of the reasons Wobler cited for running for the House seat.

"I think we need internet service in rural Ohio that is accessible, reliable and affordable," she said, noting work is needed to provide the infrastructure to make high-quality internet access a reality in rural areas.

"My focus also is making our education system better and stronger and also making continuing education affordable and accessible," Wobler said.

She also stressed that promoting economic growth in Ohio would be another major goal if elected.

Wobler expressed a desire to work with other legislators, regardless of their party affiliation.

"I am a registered Democrat, but I can work both ways and I feel that is what Columbus needs is someone who works outside the box," she said. "I am approachable, and I feel that I would be a positive voice for our district."