Meet Louis Murphy, running for Ohio State Representative, District 99
District 99 is located in the northeastern part of the state and encompasses northern Ashtabula County and most of Geauga County.
Louis is a high school science teacher, a dedicated community advocate, and an environmentalist. With a background that blends education, environmental policy, and community service, Louis’ candidacy is rooted in a commitment to public education and local development.
Louis teaches high school in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he holds multiple roles, including Model United Nations advisor, academic challenge advisor, and tennis coach for the Buckeye School District! His educational background includes a master’s degree in Environmental Policy from Lehigh University along with experience working with the Village of Geneva-on-the-Lake, assisting with federal grant applications and community development projects. This blend of academic knowledge and practical experience gives Louis a unique perspective on the intersection of education, environmental policy, and community development. He plans to use this experience to tackle similar challenges on a larger scale if elected to the state legislature!
As a public school teacher, Louis has witnessed the negative effects of funding cuts and policy changes on public education in Ohio. He is particularly concerned about the state’s voucher program, which he believes disproportionately impacts less affluent school districts. Louis’ firsthand experience with these issues fuels his advocacy for increased support and protection for public education. Protecting teachers’ rights is also important to Louis, as he says his opponent and other legislators have been attempting to control and restrict educational content, including controversial historical events.
Louis’ vision for the 99th District is centered on inclusivity and active engagement with community members. He emphasizes the importance of listening to the community and ensuring that every stakeholder has a voice in the decision-making process. His approach to politics is grounded in transparency and accessibility, traits he finds lacking in the current government. Noting a lack of responsiveness from his opponent, Louis is determined to be an advocate for the people, promising to be available and attentive to their needs.
Outside of his professional and political life, Louis enjoys playing tennis, a sport he excelled at in college and continues to coach. He also plays the saxophone and the Scottish tenor drum, performing with the Ashtabula Blues Band to raise funds for a local hospice program! Even more, Louis participates in the Ashtabula tennis ladder, an international competition where his county currently ranks fourth in the world! At home, Louis spends time with his rescue cat, Athena, who he says is “…playful, kind, and adventurous.”
Louis’ promise to listen to and advocate for his constituents, combined with his hands-on approach to problem-solving, demonstrates his ability to create positive, lasting change in his community. His dedication to public education, community development, and environmental sustainability makes him a promising candidate for the 99th District.
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