Kevin Ritter

Kevin Ritter was born in Muskegon, Michigan. He earned a bachelor's and a graduate degree from Central Michigan University in 1990 and 1992, respectively. His career experience includes working as a history teacher.[1]

Ritter has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

County Employee Benefits Consortium of Ohio

County Commissioners Association of Ohio

American Baseball Coaches Association

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up north of Detroit and attended Central Michigan University on a baseball scholarship. I hold both an undergraduate degree (History/Political Science) and a Masters Degree in Political Science from CMU.

I completed all the coursework, language exams, and comprehensive exams necessary for a PhD. in European History at Western Michigan University but I left before graduation to found a sports development organization called Coast to Coast Baseball.

For the next 20+ years I helped over 4000 amateur ballplayers achieve their dream of playing at the collegiate or professional level. During that same time I continued to teach History and American government at both the college and high school level.

In 2014, my wife and I joined two other couples in founding a private classical school called Veritas Academy in Marietta, OH. We began the first year with just 37 students in grades K-6th. Today, the school has over 150 students in grades PreK-12th.

I closed Coast to Coast Baseball and curtailed my commitments at Veritas Academy when I was elected a Washington County Commissioner in the fall of 2018. I ran for reelection, unopposed, in the fall of 2022.

Recently, a group of people from Columbus recruited me to run for an open seat in the 94th House District and that's how I find myself here today.

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 am a committed family man and Christian. I attend mass weekly at St. Mary's Basilica in Marietta. I believe family is the basic building block of a health society and that it is incumbent upon government officials to consider how legislation will impact families before it is passed. The State of Ohio must be firmly committed to reinforcing the rights we enjoy under the 1st Amendment. I believe that despite our blemishes, the United States is the greatest nation in the history of the world, and that it affords more opportunity, more liberty, and more freedom, to more people than any country past or present. I believe it is the solemn duty of elected officials (local, state and federal) to take seriously their oath to protect and defend the Constitution. I believe in small government, low taxation, and openness and transparency in our dealings. Government at all levels has grown far beyond what the Founders envisioned as necessary or acceptable.

As a result, liberty and personal responsibility have correspondingly diminished. Today, we too often look to government to solve our problems and provide for our wants and needs. I believe that small government (focused on doing only those things individuals cannot do for themselves) allows freedom and liberty to flourish.

With the growth of government has come crushing taxation and profligate spending. I am a firm believer that individual citizens spend their money more wisely and efficiently than does the state or federal government.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I care deeply about education at both primary and secondary, as well as the higher education level. I believe that our schools too often focus on teaching kids what to think rather than how to think. I do not believe our schools should be used as laboratories for experimentation or social engineering.

I am interested in energy independence and the benefits provided by a productive oil and gas industry. I also recognize the effort to identify and properly cap "orphan" wells located in SE Ohio is essential to protecting our water supply.

I am interested in workforce development. I realize that continuing to build out long-neglected regional infrastructure and housing is a key to keeping and attracting good workers.

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

Other than biblical characters and members of the clergy (both current and historical), I look up to men like Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby who broke the MLB color barrier.

I look up to Sir Thomas More, Henry VIII's Lord High Chancellor, who stood against him when Henry sought to force Catholics to leave the Church of Rome.

I admire Dietrich Bonhoeffer and men like him who stood against the Nazis.

I admire our Founding Fathers as well as President Lincoln who ably led the nation during a time of Civil War.

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

Russell Kirk's "Roots of American Order" traces the historical ideas that set foundation for our country. I would similarly say that Richard M. Weaver's "Ideas Have Consequences" and Robert Nisbet's "Quest for Community" have been formative in my thinking.

Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" summarizes well the importance of "interposing institutions" in buffering individuals from the harsh power of government.

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

Honesty, integrity, transparency, intelligence, experience, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly are the key foundational characteristics that make an elected official effective.

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

I am bright and I have the ability to sift large amounts of information. I have a moral core so I am able to search for just solutions to difficult problems. I speak well and can articulate my thoughts in terms that anyone can understand. I am willing change my mind if presented with good evidence to the contrary. I've run a business and been responsible for others who work for me.

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

I believe officials should honor the oath they take. They should model their beliefs with their actions, and they should keep their word when they make a promise. Elected officials have a responsibility to ensure that government does not compete against private industry. Additionally, they have a responsibility to ensure taxpayer money is used wisely.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would hope others would say of me that I played a small part in returning our state and our country to the path laid out by our Founders. We have taken such a divergent path, however, I believe this will take decades to accomplish.

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

I remember news reports from the Vietnam War, but the first specific event I recall was President Nixon leaving office. I was seven years old at the time.

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

I started a boat washing business when I was just 14 years old. I did that for three years during high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Other than the Bible, I would suggest anything written by Russell Kirk......"Prospects for Conservatives" is a favorite.

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

Captain Jack Aubrey (Master & Commander)

Benjamin Weaver ( from a series of David Liss novels)

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

Iron Man (Black Sabbath)

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

I struggle with patience and with those who are unwilling to demand the most of themselves.

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

The legislature provides an important check on the power of the Governor and vice versa. Of course, when the Governor is of the same party as the legislative majorities it is much easier for them to coordinate and pass meaningful legislation.

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

This biggest challenge I see is the ever-expanding footprint (and debt) of the federal government. I believe state legislatures much be willing to stand up against federal encroachment and maintain a constitutional balance between both levels of government.

Right now, because Ohio is expanding, one of the greatest needs is housing.

We must continue to make reliable broadband access available to all regions in the state.

I believe the passage of Issue 2 and the expansion of recreational marijuana use will add to workforce challenges across the state. Ensuring we have young people interested and ready to join an expanding workforce is a challenge.

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

Yes, I believe previous experience is very helpful. Because of term limits, elected leaders do not have much time to learn the political process or the skills essential to governing before they are required to leave their seat.

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

Earlier I referred to Robert Nisbet "Quest for Community" as being an influence on my governing philosophy. I would add to that, Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone" We learn from both of these writers how important the building of strong relationships is for any institution that is going to operate in an efficient and healthy way.

I believe it is important to building relationships between members from different regions of the state. Personally, I hope to get to know people from different backgrounds and from the opposition party as both have the potential to force me to consider my own ideas from a different perspective.

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

I deeply admire former State Representative Andy Thompson. Before Andy tragically passed away he was a strong voice for the people of our region. He was willing to stand against executive overreach. He supported the free market and a strong business atmosphere and he was a man of high moral integrity and honor. He treated others the way he wanted to be treated regardless of whether or not they could be a benefit to him personally.

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

Not at the time.

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?

When I came into office as a County Commissioner, the County was facing an $18 million, court-imposed, sewer project. I remember the stories of residents who would lose their homes or be forced to move if they had to bear the cost of the project themselves.

Through a variety of channels, the Board of Commissioners was able to secure full-funding for the project. What I will remember is the joy and relief of some of those residents who had lost hope.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I don't care for planned humor. It has to be spontaneous.

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

Not sure exactly what the questions is asking.

I would simply say, I believe checks and balances are important in any republican form of government.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Until the recent override of SB68, it would have been a bill to limit women's sports to biological females.

Today, I think I would look at something to loosen adoption laws or subsidize the cost of adoption so that choosing "life" was easier and more affordable for Ohio residents.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Rep. Jay Edwards

Americans for Prosperity

What committees interest you?

Primary & Secondary Education

Higher Education

Finance

Energy & Natural Resources

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I fully support the public having access to the way monies are allocated and spent at the state level. I believe this is essential if voters are going to hold those whom they elect accountable.