By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

Voters will have to decide between the 65th Ohio House District incumbent Republican John Becker and his Democrat challenger Charlie Carlier Nov. 4.

Becker was elected to serve as state representative in 2013.

“I’ve been in private industry pretty much my entire life,” Becker said about his background.

Becker said his career has included work in manufacturing, health care insurance, banking, and charter education.

Becker said when it comes to education in Ohio, he is opposed to Common Core standards.

“Whoever is setting the standards is driving the curriculum for those teachers to teach to,” he said. “I a.m. in favor of high standards but I want them to be set locally.”

Becker said he is in favor of lower taxes in Ohio and said he wants to eliminate the personal income tax.

“It is on my agenda to abolish it,” Becker said. “Ohio can eliminate it within 10 years without cutting anything else like spending.”

Becker said he also would like to eliminate the commercial activity tax. He said he believes citizens pay higher prices because of the tax.

Carlier served in the United States Marine Corps and is a retired railroad engineer.

He said he is running for state representative because he believes there is a better way forward.

“I believe funding needs to be restored to public education, townships and municipalities, and public education should remain public and not given to charter schools,” Carlier said.

Carlier said he is in favor of Common Core in the state.

“It gives teachers a tool to teach,” Carlier said. “It was designed by higher education professionals. I believe it is a good thing.”

Carlier said if elected he would work to restore funding cuts to allow schools and local governments to do what they do best.

He said he believes that doing this will help the economy.

“We have a problem with our economy as we all know,” Carlier said. “We need a vibrant economy. We need to entice businesses in the state. Job loss and creation efforts need to change.”

The 65th district includes Loveland, Milford, and Owensville as well as Mia.m.i, Stonelick, Union and Wayne Townships.

For more information about John Becker visit www.beckergop.com. For more information about Carlier visit https://www.facebook.com/CharliesCarlierforOH65.