Michele Reynolds

Michele Reynolds was born in Kankakee, Illinois. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1998 and a graduate degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2016. Her career experience includes working as a business owner and nonprofit CEO. Reynolds was elected as Madison Township Trustee in 2019.[1]

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

Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute, member

Asian American Commerce Group

Columbus Realtors

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice - Ohio Chapter

Ohio Black Republican Association

Columbus Chapter of the NAACP

Canal Winchester Humans Services Board, trustee

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Michele worked in public service and held various positions in City and County government, including Assistant Clerk of the Board of the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in Akron, Ohio. After leaving the public sector to build a private, nonprofit sector career, Michele ran for countywide office 19 years later as the endorsed Republican Candidate for Franklin County Commissioner. In 2019, she was elected Township Trustee for Madison Township in Franklin County.

Michele Reynolds is a faith leader, public servant, and successful business owner with over 25 years of professional experience in business, government, and non-profit management. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed her as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, where she managed a $13.5M budget. She operates multiple businesses in 5 Ohio cities, including Columbus, Akron, Mansfield, Chillicothe and Cleveland. She is a former adjunct instructor of Kaplan College, teaching in the Criminal Justice Technology program for 3 years.

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?

Michele Reynolds is a leader with 25-year track record of producing results.Michele Reynolds is fighting for our economy and creating solutions for local communities.Michele Reynolds promises to prioritize public safety and support reducing rising crime rates.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

100% PRO-LIFE

Valuing life at its inception is the foundation of where all compassion begins. I support pregnancy life centers and holistic maternal health accommodations that uplift women and create solutions for families to have positive birth outcomes.

DEFENDS THE SECOND AMENDMENT

I believe in our second amendment freedoms to bear arms and protect ourselves. I’ve seen the dangers through my work in prisons and heard the horror stories. Compassionate people hope for the best, yet wise people plan for the worst. We need to preserve our rights to protect our families from imminent danger.

PUBLIC SAFETY IS A PRIORITY

Public safety is a very important issue to me because every parent wants to know that their children are safe when they leave the house. There are failures in our Criminal Justice System… and I have ideas on how to improve the system. I believe that those who are closest to the problem are closest to the solution.

LIMITED GOVERNMENT

As a teenager and young adult, I worked in the family business and watched my grandparents work tirelessly to care for our clients, make payroll, be in compliance and keep the business afloat. I understand the burdensome regulations that put stress on everyday Ohioans. We need to fix parts of the government that overreach with excessive regulation.

EDUCATION

Investing in our children to succeed and live up to their fullest potential. Offering additional support to children who are struggling due to the impact of

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

The first was my grandmother. My grandmother was a strong woman and the epitome of a leader. She was the eldest of 14 children, a mother, a wife of 47 years and a business woman. She helped my mother raise me and taught me …

The value of family and the importance of having good character.

She also taught me…To stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves

The next most significant person in my life is my husband, who is affectionately known as “Pastor Rick”. Not only is he my Pastor, he’s my best friend, a great husband and father and one of my biggest supporters. The first lesson he taught me is…

People only come into your life for two reasons- to either solve a problem or create one. That’s why I am an addictive problem solver.

He also taught me the value of having meaningful relationships and the importance of making things right.

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

My approach to politics is by way of leadership and demonstrating exceptional compassion and integrity. In addition, I acknowledge Thomas Sowell's literary work for having a data-driven approach to problem-solving that I respect and consider when making leadership decisions.

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

- Compassion

- Integrity

- Relationship Building

- Civility

- Problem-solving

-Service

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

I have a 25-year track record of producing results.

The People of District 3 deserve a State Senator who is responsive, works hard and is at the table finding solutions to our biggest problems.

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

1. Show up in our communities and listen to our constituents

2. Gather all the facts related to issues and problems

3. Working across the aisle to find solutions

4. Being results-driven and focusing on outcomes

5. Perpetual problem solving and a commitment to meeting the needs of the people in our districts

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy will be that of a trailblazer with a heart to serve and a will to deliver solutions to our society's most critical challenges.

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

911 was the first historical event that I remember and I was 27 at the time.

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

My first job was working for the family business, which was a group home. I supported my family for 4 years from ages 14-18.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Art of War by Sun Tzu because Tzu’s principles guide the steps required to become a competent leader and fighter. They teach how to determine victory, when to engage in combat, and when to use intelligence and intimidation to dissolve conflict without confrontation. Lastly, how to read conflict and opponents to determine the best course of action.

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

Wonder Woman

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

This girl is on Fire by Alicia Keys

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

The ideal relationship is a collaborative one that helps to improve the lives of all Ohioans through policy-making and acts as a system of checks and balances to support a healthy and efficient state government structure. Ideally, the governor would be a listening ear to the legislative representatives that serve the district and uses his authority to enact policies that strengthen families and businesses.

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

With the economic opportunities coming to Ohio, we need to focus on preparing our workforce, infrastructure, and schools so that Ohioans can live up to their fullest potential.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

The benefit of unicameral state legislative is that it may force representatives of opposing sides to work harder to collaborate. The drawbacks would be the lack of power that needs to belong to the American people to ensure their rights and freedoms are equitably represented and protected.

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

Yes

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

Yes, because we are stronger when we work together. We have to collaborate and understand that there is more that unites us than divides us. Building relationships is what moves legislation forward. Relationship building is not part of the job, it is the job.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I would favor a nonpartisan process that includes a home rule and involvement from local governing authorities.

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

- Finance Committee

- Judiciary Committee

- Government Oversight and Reform

- Workforce and Higher Education Committee

- Small Business and Economic Opportunity

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

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

Though I respect many people in the legislature, I plan to be in a league of my own. I want to create a new model for how legislatures work across the aisle to support their local communities.

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

Yes

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?

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

Yes

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

Yes