Andrea Neutzling

Andrea Neutzling was born in Gallipolis, Ohio. She served in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2010. She earned a high school diploma from River Valley High School and a bachelor's degree from Marietta College in 2017. Her career experience includes working in advocacy and as a substitute teacher. She has been affiliated with VFW, WWP, the Forward Party, and Burn Pits 360.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Meigs County. Was a public employee in high working at a local public pool. Joined the Army upon graduation, did 4 years Active Duty and 5 years as a Reservist, 1 of which was Mobilized for deployment to Iraq and another for medical hold after deployment to get proper treatment for injuries from Iraq. Graduated from Marietta College in 2017 with a BA in Theatre Studies but took Political Science classes also, including Constitutional Law which was taught openly, not Politically based. Worked t9wards getting Burn Pits and other toxic exposures recognized by the VA since 2011, culminating in the PACT Act of 2022 and still working towards more exposures being added.

Also pushing at state level bills that can help or hurt veterans within our state.

Currently working as a Substitute teacher for various public schools throughout Meigs and Athens Counties.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I firmly believe that money earmarked for Public schools should stay for public schools. And that state public education funds should be split evenly for the 667 public school districts in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Education should have those with an educational background, except for the financial side, working in it. If the tests are not Federally mandated get rid of them, let teachers actually teach, let schools be able to better protect their students from other students that cause severe disruptions in classrooms.State Veteran Benefits, for years Ohio has been saying they are a veteran friendly state. We are not, we are a high veteran population state. I want to increase our state veteran benefits, which could entice more veterans coming to Ohio, which could be a boost to our economy. There are numerous bills in Ohio legislation to better veteran benefits, but just set and die out. Some of these state benefits could also help alleviate financial hardships, which is one factor of Veteran suicide.Election maps should be drawn out by a non-partisan group of individuals in order to prevent gerrymandering.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Education, State Veteran Benefits and fair redistracting of election maps no more gerrymandering.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She did even when told she couldn't because she was a woman. George Voinovich, he was one of the most respected legislators by both parties for Ohio. I won't follow their examples, other than for Voinovich's ability to create bipartisan bills.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy by Andrew Yang

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Listen to their constituents about how they feel about proposed laws.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Being an Independent, I believe will help cross the parties in order for bills to be passed.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listen to their constituents, pass or fail proposed laws that can help or harm their Constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Making the primary and secondary education system better and making the lives of veterans and those over the age of 64 better within the state.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Many happened when I was young, but Desert Storm and the Waco Siege are the 2 major events I can remember. I was 10 almost 11 when Desert Storm began. I was 12 when The Waco Siege happened.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Working in tomato fields as a picker. Did it for 3 years then got lifeguard certification and did that for 4 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have to many favorites. But Women Under Fire, Abuse in the military by Sarah L. Blum is a great read that brings the realization of Miltary sexual crimes to light.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Dolly Parton World on Fire

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Growing up I had speech difficulties, mostly saying certain letters. Now after having mild traumatic brain injury I developed alexia with agraphia and a silent prolongation (a type of stutter).

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

They should be working closely to help make the State better for their citizens.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Primary and Secondary Education.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No I don't, they should have at least some working knowledge of the 3 branches of government and each branches roles though.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. To get bills passed it takes working with other legislators, no matter what party they are in.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No there isn't. I don't want to be compared to anyone, I want to bring a new perspective into the State legislation.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Possibly. I do plan to run again in 2026, win or lose for 2024.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Besides my own. I see our rural school districts struggling to pass their renewal levies, not even a new levy, when there are districts that don't even have to tap into their property tax funds because they get so much money from the State.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Any found on laffy taffy wrappers.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Oversee yes.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

To amend the property tax exemptions, both for homestead (over 65) and for veterans. Change the income restrictions on the homestead exemption to allow more elderly Ohioians access and increase the Veterans exemption based on VA rating (from 10%-100% exemptions) with the option of only having the property tax for schools remaining to pay for those rated 100%.

Education related bills would come once research and information is gathered which would begin being done as soon as I would be put into office.

What committees interest you?

Armed Services and Veterans Affairs, Finance (most especially the subcommittees for Education for Primary and Secondary and Higher Education), Higher Education, Primary and Secondary Education, Homeland Security, Public Safety.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We should be 100% transparent on where funds are going. Our government should be held accountable for their actions at every level, from County to Federal.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Oppose changes. Most recommended changes would make it harder for Ohio citizens to initiate Constitutional changes.