Dear Editor,

I am a junior at American University from Belmont County and am grateful to work as a Congressional Intern in Washington, D.C., for now two consecutive semesters. During my time with policymakers and addressing constituents’ needs, I can attest that courage and leadership are imperative for elected officials to truly be public servants:

Courage to stand up in the face of The Swamp and leadership in achieving the goals one campaigned on which propelled them into office.

Most freshman elected officials tend to buckle under The Swamp’s immense power and vindictive nature.

Most freshman elected officials only return to the issues they campaigned on when they advocate for re-election.

However, given the consistent courage and leadership demonstrated over the last two years by the State Representative of our district, I can confidently say that I look forward to voting for State Representative Ron Ferguson’s second term on November 8 and invite others to do the same.

As a freshman member of the State House of Representatives, Ron Ferguson joined his colleagues in Columbus during a time of unrestrained government involvement in our private lives.

The power and tyranny exercised by our government in Columbus due to the Coronavirus Pandemic — while being led by Republicans — put the Republican Party’s namesake to shame.

With a majority in the state government endorsing even further government control in 2021, it would have been easy for Ron to join The Swamp and support calls for more restrictions.

Instead, Ron listened to the people of Belmont, Jefferson, and Monroe counties by legislating freedom rather than legislating tyranny. In pushing for oversight of the governor’s emergency powers and delivering legislation preventing public schools from forcing students to take non-FDA-approved vaccines, Ron demonstrated the courage needed to overcome the demands of The Swamp where many have capitulated.

During the last two years, Ron Ferguson also excelled as a leader and an advocate for the Ohio Valley. The amount of taxes and wealth being taken by Columbus never seemed to return in local projects.

However, Ron’s legislative leadership has seen millions of dollars in state taxes reinvested in our roads and local governments.

Being one of his chief campaign promises in 2020, Ron has helped the Ohio Valley finally see its state taxes return to local projects.

2020 saw a great amount of change.

Our state government exercised increased control over our lives, and our current federal government gained unchecked power.

2022 will see a great amount of change — likely for the better.

Through the actions of our State Representative over the last two years, I will not change one thing:

My vote for State Representative Ron Ferguson in November.

Tyler Patt

Shadyside