Lou Lyras

Lou Lyras was born in Youngstown, Ohio. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University, Columbus, in 1972. His career experience includes working as a contractor and entrepreneur. He has been affiliated with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.[1]

Lou Lyras did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio December 1950, and still live there near my children and grandchildren. I graduated from Campbell Memorial HS 1968 & Ohio State University 1972. I started an industrial painting company in 1976 and worked on bridges, factories, high tension electrical towers, and electrical power plants along the Ohio River.

In the 80's I - along with my brothers - changed the painting industry by inventing surface preparation machines [sandblasting] that recycled and reduced waste while protecting the environment. This system created tens of thousands of jobs. As a result of those patents, I co-founded a company in 1992 that specialized in surface preparation equipment for our infrastructure. The last 20 years I work mostly on the East Coast on many of the major iconic bridges.

I worked with OSHA, EPA, State DOTs, and the various Unions to rewrite laws and specifications for the coating industry. I've chaired national committees that involved infrastructure, and written articles in trade journals and spoke at national conferences concerning the coating and corrosion industry. I continue to sit on trade boards and committees for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

Currently I am the proud co-owner with my children of Penguin City Beer in downtown Youngstown.

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?

Energy Independence involves much more than simply burning fossil fuels in our country with no regard to our environment - it involves building Nuclear Power Plants, developing solar and wind farms, building hydrogen and electric vehicles - all of these will also produce good paying jobs. We would never again be dependent on dictators from other countries for our own energy resources.Women have rights, and we must preserve their right to make their own reproductive health choices. Our democracy is grounded in “one man one vote,” and this must unconditional right for all. Black lives matter. We must come to terms with the inhumanity inflicted upon black people and people of color. Teaching the history of all people, as well as conversations about race, should not be censored by any government. Gender cannot be defined as simply just male or female. It is a range of identities and the LGBTQ people must have a all the rights and dignities guaranteed by the constitutionWorking 50 years in the private sector and being a union contractor rebuilding infrastructure, I fought for fair wages, safe working conditions, good benefits. I made changes that were good for the environment and created jobs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Environment, Energy, Infrastructure, Trade, Jobs, Education ... I am passionate about many policies.

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

There are many I look up to such as but not limited to: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, James Madison, Theodore Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Socrates, Mahatma Gandhi, and Smeddly Butler

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

I am an avid reader and student of science, biology, technology, history, trade, and politics. There is no one book that stands out more than the others.

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

Honesty and Integrity

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

Honesty. Determination. Persistence.

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

Legislate for the people. Legislate for the country. Legislate realizing this is the greatest nation on earth and what we do will make it better for the people and our children.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A better country and earth for my children and grandchildren and all the future generations.

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

Cuban Missile Crisis. 12 years old.

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

I've had many job. I've had many companies. My first company was started 1976 and I still work there.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Making legislation that can help the nation, the state, the constituents in the district, and the earth.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Climate Change {Environment, Energy Independence - Nuclear Energy, wind & Solar}, Expand the right to vote, keeping the press free , woman's rights, LGBTQ rights, fair taxation .... there are too many to list.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Energy, Transportation, Trade, Foreign Policy, Immigration, Labor.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

Not Applicable

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No, This should be three. Too much time is spent campaigning and not enough legislating.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe The House should be three to four terms., The Senate three.

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

There are many good legislators that I would like to model.

Both sitting representatives 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?

Recently listening to an immigrant from Mexico who came over in 1966 as a little girl told me how she started working in Union grocery stores. When I calculated her adjusted wage and benefits, she was surprised to see what she made. Everyone at the table realized that she was making much more than $15 per hour.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, it is impossible to legislate without compromising.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

This is a very important role. All the programs that are needed to run our government depend on revenue and fiscal responsibility. But taxation must be fair and effective to assure our country will endure without burdening any one group or individual.

Lou Lyras did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.