By Okon Ekpenyong

On March 19, 2024 the Ohio Primary for House District 6 took place. Seven candidates vied to be the Democratic nominee for the vacant seat held by Representative Adam Miller, who is now running for the Ohio 15th House Congressional race. Among the candidates was Eli Bohnert, a district native who grew up in the area. Although he did not win the primary, finishing third place with 15.17% of the vote, Bohnert remains steadfast in his commitment to amplify the voices of all communities.

With a firefighter and public school teacher as parents, Bohnert has been immersed in public service from a young age and understands the profound impact a leader’s decisions can have on families’ lives. The district encompasses various neighborhoods, including Franklinton, West Broad Street in Franklinton, Hilltop, Greater Hilltop, Westland, Lincoln Village, and far West neighborhoods. In an interview with the New Americans Magazine, Bohnert stressed the importance of better Representation in the statehouse.

Experience

I currently serve as a West Scioto Area Commissioner, representing over 20,000 residents to ensure their voices are heard. Serving as a Commissioner has allowed me direct access to the partners making choices for the future of our region. As a Commissioner, I have always stood up for building more housing, ensuring the housing we build is high quality and attainable for all, and working to improve transit access in the district. I also serve on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Community Advisory Committee, ensuring our tax dollars are used to cut our commute times, improve transit, and bring more cycling access to the area.

Hilltop

Growing up on the Westside of Columbus made me sensitive to various communities’ challenges. As a result, I’ve always strived to be part of the solution rather than the problem,” said Eli. This is one of the reasons Eli decided to run for Ohio’s House Sixth District, which covers most of the west side of Columbus.

Education

I earned a bachelor’s in political science and communication and a master’s in public health, which also fostered my realization that Representation is a crucial aspect of politics, Education, and any field. I want to ensure that diverse perspectives and voices are heard and included in decision-making.

Representation

Furthermore, I also recognize the importance of Representation as it promotes fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or background. Through Representation, inclusivity is encouraged, and a more equitable society is fostered. Certain groups often get overlooked, and Bohnert says he is running to stop that because Representation is essential for building a thriving and just society.

Diversity

It is also essential to acknowledge that everyone’s perspective is valuable and can contribute to developing better policies and solutions to improve infrastructure and logistics. While individuals may sometimes have differing experiences, it is crucial to work together collaboratively to find practical solutions that benefit everyone. Another way of looking into this is by considering diverse perspectives and experiences rather than solely relying on one’s personal views. By working together and valuing everyone’s input, we can create instrumental solutions that benefit the entire community.

Motivation

My passion for serving the public stems from my family, particularly my father, who has been a union firefighter for 30 years, and my mother, a public school teacher. I faced a dilemma when I lost my health insurance and had to decide whether to pay $500 for a health insurance premium or pay for prescription drugs out of pocket. This personal experience made me realize the challenges many people on the Westside face daily despite working hard. I want to be the voice for those who experience similar struggles and are committed to prioritizing solutions over divisive politics. Using my family values and personal experience, I hope to bring an empathetic perspective to the State House.

Programs

I am committed to three core values: Opportunity, Freedom, and Security. My fight for Ohioans is a political promise and a personal mission. I am ready to champion policies that ensure every Westsider has a fair chance at achieving their American Dream. This means honoring hard work, protecting the right to join a union, ensuring every child in Ohio has access to a high-quality public education, protecting access to healthcare, standing up for a woman’s right to make her own healthcare choices, creating more affordable housing, and supporting our first responders. These are the issues I plan to tackle on day one.

Purposefulness

The Westside community is comprised of people with diverse views and political affiliations. As your State Representative, I must listen to all voices, regardless of whether or not they align with my beliefs. Cooperation with members of the Republican Party is crucial to bringing funds back to the Westside and enhancing our quality of life. I will contact Republicans to co-sponsor bills I introduce, ensuring that the bills serve the best interests of the Westside and all Ohioans.

Platform

My platform is based on the simple concept of prioritizing the needs of our community. This means that every resident in the district will be heard, and their opinions will be valued. As your next State Representative, I will continue to hold community events such as town halls and office hours. I will always respond to letters, emails, and messages from residents, as I have always done.”

Economic challenges

The soaring cost of housing in Franklin County challenges numerous residents needing help to afford a home. To tackle this issue, it is imperative to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that hinders the construction of new homes. Furthermore, we must create more lucrative job opportunities in District 6 to bridge the economic gap. I am committed to working closely with union and business leaders to entice fresh investment prospects and impart career training programs to empower our residents.

Underrepresented

Uplifting the voices of marginalized and underrepresented communities in the district is what I have done and will continue to do if elected. Ensuring the well-being and fair Representation of all constituents is a focus of my campaign. To prioritize and address the concerns of marginalized or underrepresented communities in our district, I am committed to leading in a way that involves collaboration, inclusivity, and policy initiatives that uplift the voices of those far too often ignored by the system. I believe in actively engaging with these communities through regular town hall meetings and community forums. Listening to different groups’ unique challenges and needs is essential in developing genuinely representative policies that work for all.

Bipartisanship

As an Area Commissioner, I will continue to seek common ground with colleagues from all viewpoints. By working with Republicans, we can break down partisan barriers and develop effective, inclusive policies that benefit the Westside. Building personal connections, understanding differing perspectives, and encouraging mutual respect are essential to effective governance. I will actively seek opportunities to collaborate on legislation that benefits our community, regardless of party affiliation. Bipartisanship is not just my goal; government must work for the people. By promoting a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, we can break through political gridlock and deliver results that improve the lives of Ohioans.

Service

When I am out knocking on doors, the issues I hear about most often from voters are Education, cost of living, and bringing common sense back to government. As I always have, I will work with everyone at the table to find the best solutions for these problematic issues and deliver results for Westside. However, there must be more than working with those already at the table. There are too many voices that have been silenced or ignored on the Westside that are important to finding solutions that work for all of us. As your state representative, I will also seek out these voices and pull a chair up to the table for them.

Accountability

Ensuring transparency and accountability is my commitment to all residents of District 6. I will inform constituents through regular updates, town hall meetings, and community forums.

Openness is not just about communication; it’s also about accessibility. I am committed to maintaining an open-door policy, both figuratively and literally. My office will be a resource for constituents to seek information, discuss issues, and have their issues tackled.

Accountability is crucial to being an effective representative, and I pledge to be transparent about my policy positions, voting record, and reasoning behind my decisions. I will hold myself to the highest ethical standards, avoid conflicts of interest, and remain dedicated to serving the interests of District 6. (The interview was conducted before the March 19, 2024 primaries).

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