Pillich picks Marion mayor as running mate in governor’s race

Connie Pillich is the lone woman remaining in the Democratic field for governor. She picked Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer to be her running mate Thursday. Photo by Jay LaPrete, Associated Press.

Connie Pillich is the lone woman remaining in the Democratic field for governor. She picked Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer to be her running mate Thursday. Photo by Jay LaPrete, Associated Press.
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By Laura A. Bischoff
Jan 18, 2018
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Democrat Connie Pillich picked a three-term mayor and former public school teacher as her running mate in the 2018 race for Ohio governor: Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer.

“I knew I needed a local leader to join me in making Ohio a place that works for everyone. Scott Schertzer had to make hard choices and tough calls during the depths of the recession, compounded by a state government that actively took away tools from local public safety and first responders. Scott has experience making tough decisions under pressure and that’s exactly the type of leadership Ohio needs,” Pillich said in a written release.

Related: Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley drops out of governor’s race

Pillich, a former state representative and U.S. Air Force veteran from Cincinnati, is the last woman remaining in the Democratic primary field of five seeking the party nomination for governor.

Schertzer, who joined the Marion City Council in 1999 and became mayor in 2008, said cities need partners at the state level who offer real solutions. He noted that Democrats seem to have forgotten rural areas such as Marion and he offers a balanced approach.

Related: DeWine teams up with Husted in governor’s race

Schertzer worked in the Ohio Secretary of State’s office under Sherrod Brown and in the Ohio Treasurer’s office under Mary Ellen Withrow. He also spent 13 years as a public school teacher. He is currently president of the Ohio Municipal League.

Other Democrats running for governor are: former Attorney General Richard Cordray, former Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill and state Sen. Joe Schiavoni.

Republicans running are Attorney General Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.

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Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.