By Regina Freeman
Guest Columnist
In these last days before the Nov. 8th election, thorns to you, The Lima News and Hometown Station. I implore the media should have given ample mention and attention to Chelsea Clark in her campaign for Secretary of State.
You overlooked a hometown, valuable, ardent and outstanding candidate from Lima who has campaigned for the prestigious office of Secretary of State of Ohio. You took little interest in her plight but inundated your readers and televised airing of your GOP preferences. So, allow me to let you know what you did not care to elucidate.
Clark is a woman of heartfelt convictions, exemplary character and love for democracy. A democratic governance values all citizens and strives to protect the importance of equality especially in matters of voting equality and access and in provision of important rights and access to the fruits of shared power.
Chelsea was born and raised in Lima, attended school in the Elida school system and was active in school, the community and church and had friends of all colors and backgrounds. She also spent considerable time on a large and productive farm in Virginia. Her visions and perspectives came from a diverse background, something of which we can be proud.
Chelsea is “one of Lima’s own.” But like the “Son” the media light rarely shined on her, while partaking of and covering practically every step of GOP candidates on an unending scale.
In this divided, rugged populous of ours, many vitriolic extreme words and actions plague America’s landscape. We bear witness these days, to the failure of civilized discourse of opinions. Many positive and productive efforts of the people are overlooked. Precious gains made by generations have been marginalized, and our citizens and communities are overlooked. People now act with self-righteous convictions and escalate in fear and outright lies, not caring about the truth, as they seek absolute power to rule America.
Moderate Democratic candidates like Clark and countless others are overlooked in favor of GOP extremists, lifelong party favorites. Breaking the spirit of Democracy is on the horizon and on the chopping block. Do not let this happen!
Words and actions have become downright divisive, hateful and even threatening violence! Clark won’t delve into such practices and sidebar antics; she won’t tell you one thing and then do another. She values everyone’s opinion and works for the good of the people and not party overlords.
She can be trusted to work with fellow legislators who believe in the values of the Constitution, fairness, truth and transparency; and doing the job she is to do. She is a two-term councilwoman, currently serving in her home city in the suburbs of Cincinnati. She is a successful businesswoman and the proud mother of two outgoing teens. Clark can be trusted to do what is best and fair for all voters and pay close attention to the laws pertaining to constitutional provisions. She will stand up for voting rights because we all deserve that, right?
The office of Secretary of State is an obscure yet vital part of our democracy, which is voting guidelines and business startup and license confirmation. Its life is in short supply these days, access having been eroded under the current administration. We are a divided people. But our voices can still be heard on the fateful or hopefully grateful day on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Clark can be that person, a leader, for such a time as this. Clark has championed causes that reflect a sincere compassion for people who seek justice, freedom from tyranny and extremism. She believes in doing the “right thing.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and special certification from Notre Dame University. As Secretary of State, Clark will make it a place where we can all feel great about again and work to make all votes truly count. She understands that pollworkers should not be in fear of doing their job. Clark will not create dysfunction and disenfranchise whole segments of our collective citizenry and communities by purging.
She has earned the unrivaled support and endorsement of many organizations, established groups, local ministerial alliance, business and professional women and many unions around and up and down the state, in both Blue and Red and many colors in between. She recently received an endorsement of the Plain Dealer.
Peruse her website, ChelseaClarkforOhio.com. See for yourself what she has accomplished and stands for. Best wishes to all who believe in free and fair voting and access to the polls! God Bless Ohio. Your choice, your vote, your voice. Choose wisely for a change you can be proud of, Clark for Secretary of State of Ohio. Thank you.
Regina Freeman lives in Lima. Her column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Lima News editorial board or AIM Media, owner of The Lima News.
