Tom Pruss

Tom Pruss was born in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Calvin M. Woodward High School. He attended the University of Toledo. His career experience includes working as a business owner. He has been affiliated with the Northwest Ohio Polish Cultural Center and the Polish American Community of Toledo.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Tom Pruss has dedicated his life to both his

community and his profession. With a career in the printing industry that began in

1985, Tom has built a reputation for excellence and expertise. Since 2017, he has

owned and operated NorthCoast Print Mail Marketing, where his leadership

continues to drive innovation and growth.

Beyond his business endeavors, Tom is a passionate advocate for his Polish heritage.

He serves as the Vice President of the Northwest Ohio Polish Cultural Center,

working to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural traditions of the Polish-American

community. He also previously held the role of President for the Polish American

Community of Toledo (PACT), demonstrating his longstanding commitment to

cultural and civic engagement.

Tom’s sense of service extends into the political arena as well, with previous

candidacies for both the Toledo School Board and the Lucas County Clerk of Courts.

His dedication to public service reflects his deep ties to the Toledo community and

his desire to contribute to its betterment.

At home, Tom is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Alicia, are proud parents of

three children: Jillian, a Purdue University graduate; Joe, currently a junior at Butler

University; and Jamison, a sophomore at Northview High School in Sylvania. Whether

at work, in the community, or with his family, Tom leads with passion, integrity, and a

commitment to making a difference.

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?

Protect Voter Freedom and Equal Access

Every eligible Ohioan should be able to vote without unnecessary barriers. I will work to make registration and voting simple, transparent, and accessible while protecting the integrity of every legitimate vote.Secure Elections Without Government Overreach

Ohio can have elections that are both secure and fair. I support common-sense voter ID, transparent counting, auditable systems, and free state IDs—ensuring confidence in election results without suppressing voters.Break the Two-Party Stranglehold on Our Elections

Ohio’s election system is designed to protect Republicans and Democrats. As Secretary of State, I will fight for ballot access, fair rules for all candidates, and reforms like Ranked Choice Voting so voters have real choices—not just the same two parties.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The areas of public policy I’m most passionate about center on individual liberty, fair elections, and limiting government overreach.

At the end of the day, my campaign is about restoring trust in our elections and expanding freedom for Ohio voters.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Libertarian Party of Ohio

Lucas County Libertarian Party of Ohio

Campaign websitePruss' campaign website stated the following:TOM’s PRIORITIESProtect Ballot Access for AllThe Secretary of State should not be a referee who tilts the field.He will:Enforce ballot laws equallyOppose unnecessary signature hurdlesDefend voter choice — not suppress itIf you believe in democracy, you must believe in competition.Secure Elections Without Voter SuppressionElection security and voter access are not opposites. We can have both.Maintain accurate voter rolls with transparencyEnsure secure voting systemsOppose last-minute rule changes that confuse votersPromote clear, consistent election procedures statewideGovernment TransparencyOhioans deserve full transparency from their election officials.Make election data easily accessibleImprove public reporting systemsIncrease accountability in campaign finance reportingSunlight is not partisan.Support Ohio Small BusinessesThe Secretary of State also oversees business filings. As a Northwest Ohio small business owner, he understands firsthand:The burden of excessive regulationThe frustration of bureaucratic delaysThe need for efficient, responsive servicehe will work to:Streamline business filingsImprove online systemsReduce unnecessary red tapeMake Ohio more business-friendly— Tom Pruss' campaign website (January 1, 1970)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio

Worked in the printing industry since 1985

Current owner of NorthCoast Print Mail Marketing in Toledo since 2017

Current vice president of the Northwest Ohio Polish Cultural Center

Past president of the Polish American Community of Toledo (PACT)

Married

Wife is Alicia

Has one daughter Jillian, Purdue University Graduate. Son Joe started his Junior year at Butler University. Youngest son Jamison is a sophomore at Northview High School in Sylvania

Previous runs for office includes Toledo School Board and Lucas County Clerk of Courts

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?

Government overspending and reckless money printing are driving up costs, hurting those most vulnerable. By cutting spending and balancing the budget, we can reduce inflation and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.Americans are facing an economy controlled by the government and special interests. To break this cycle of economic crises, we must reduce government interference and allow individuals to decide how to spend their money, fostering true innovation.Our immigration system is outdated and inefficient. It's time to move past partisan gridlock and streamline the process so immigrants can work and thrive in our communities. Immigrants built America, and they are essential to its future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Government overspending and reckless money printing are driving up costs, harming the most vulnerable. By cutting spending and balancing the budget, we can reduce inflation and build a stronger, more inclusive economy. Additionally, the economy is overly controlled by the government and special interests, stifling innovation. Reducing government interference will empower individuals to make their own financial choices. Furthermore, our outdated immigration system needs reform. Streamlining the process will allow immigrants to work, thrive, and continue contributing to America's future, as they always have.

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

I admire anyone who possesses the wherewithal to get up every day and take on the mundane challenges we all face.

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

Irresistible (2020), a political comedy directed by Jon Stewart. It shows the absurdity in politics and drive homes the point on how the duopoly views elections as a "battle" when it's more about serving the people.

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

Integrity: Honesty and ethical behavior are crucial. Officials must be transparent, avoid corruption, and keep their promises.

Accountability: Willingness to take responsibility for their decisions and actions, and to answer to the public.

Empathy: Understanding and caring about the needs, concerns, and perspectives of their constituents.

Leadership: The ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others while making difficult decisions.

Commitment to Public Service: Prioritizing the common good over personal interests or special groups.

Competence: Deep knowledge of policy, governance, and the issues they are responsible for.

Vision: A clear plan for the future that addresses both current challenges and long-term goals.

Adaptability: Being open to new ideas, feedback, and changing circumstances.

Transparency: Open communication and sharing information with the public to foster trust.

Fairness: Treating all constituents equally and ensuring justice and equity in decisions.

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

I'm not right, I'm not left. I'm sensibly centered.

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

The core responsibilities of a U.S. Congress member are rooted in representing their constituents, creating effective legislation, and ensuring the checks and balances of government function properly.

A Congress member must act as a voice for their constituents, a legislator, an overseer of government operations, and a steward of the nation’s budget and priorities. Their ultimate responsibility is to serve the public good, uphold the Constitution, and work toward policies that enhance the well-being of all Americans.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A more free and prosperous country to my children and future generations.

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

I remember the Watergate trials. It was on the television every evening and we watched it as a family. I was about 7 years old.

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

My first job was working for a printing company. I have stayed within the printing industry for nearly 40 years.

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

The need to balance work , family , volunteering and , recently, running for office.

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

The U.S. House of Representatives has several distinctive qualities that make it unique as an institution within the framework of American government. These characteristics stem from its constitutional design, its role in the legislative process, and its structure relative to the Senate and other branches of government.

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because of its structure as a more directly representative and majoritarian institution, its key role in initiating revenue and spending legislation, its strong leadership through the Speaker, and its capacity for more rapid turnover and responsiveness to public opinion.

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

Whether it's beneficial for representatives to have prior experience in government or politics is a nuanced question, and the answer largely depends on the perspective from which one approaches it.

I believe that the congress should be a true representation of the citizens that make up the district. The US Congress proposes, debates, enacts legislation that directly affects the citizens of the representative's district. The elected congressperson is there as a representative of the values and desires of the constituents. Whether they have previous experience or not, understanding why you were sent to congress shan't need be backed up by wallowing in politics.

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

The United States faces several significant challenges over the next decade. These challenges are rooted in concerns about individual liberty, limited government, and personal responsibility.

Government Overreach and Expansion, National Debt and Fiscal Responsibility, Civil Liberties and Privacy, Criminal Justice and Overcriminalization, Healthcare and Market-Based Solutions, Foreign Policy and Military Intervention, Regulation of Technology and Free Markets, Immigration, Education Reform, Climate Change and Environmental Policy.

We face a decade of advocating for smaller government, defending civil liberties, promoting free markets, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, all while navigating complex social, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

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

I support term limits for all federal officials—elected or appointed—to keep government fresh and accountable. Term limits ensure new perspectives and reduce wasteful spending, while agency leaders must face regular reviews for reappointment.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits for all federal officials—elected or appointed—to keep government fresh and accountable. Term limits ensure new perspectives and reduce wasteful spending, while agency leaders must face regular reviews for reappointment.

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

Compromise is a complex topic, especially in the context of policymaking. Whether it is necessary or desirable largely depends on the circumstances and how purist or pragmatic a my approach is.

For Libertarians, compromise in policymaking is often a balancing act between pragmatism and principle. While many libertarians recognize that some degree of compromise may be necessary to achieve any tangible progress, others believe that holding firm to their principles is crucial for long-term success. Ultimately, the desirability of compromise often depends on the specific policy issue and the potential consequences of the compromise itself.

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?

The constitutional power to originate revenue bills in the House of Representatives is a key tool for advancing the priorities of reducing taxes, shrinking government, and promoting fiscal restraint. By focusing on reducing the government’s ability to raise revenue, we could directly influence the size and scope of federal government programs, working toward a more limited government that respects individual liberty and free-market principles.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Libertarians tend to be wary of expansive government power and often advocate for a limited, well-defined role for government, including how the U.S. House of Representatives should use its investigative powers. However, many I also recognize the need for some degree of government oversight to protect individual rights and ensure that the government remains accountable to the people.

Here’s how I typically believe the U.S. House should use its investigative powers:

Holding Government Agencies Accountable, Preventing Government Overreach, Transparency and Oversight of the Executive Branch, Exposing and Limiting Cronyism and Special Interests, Investigating Corporate Welfare and Lobbyist Influence, Uncovering Special Interest Influence, Protecting Individual Rights, Police and Law Enforcement Accountability, Investigating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Government Programs, Limiting the Investigative Powers to Legitimate Purposes like Avoiding Political Witch Hunts.

I would likely see the U.S. House’s investigative powers as a crucial tool for ensuring government accountability, protecting individual rights, and uncovering waste or abuse. However, I would also advocate for restraint in the use of these powers to prevent political manipulation, avoid infringing on privacy, and maintain a focus on legitimate issues of public concern. In the hands of Libertarians, investigations would aim to reduce government overreach, promote transparency, and ensure that government serves its intended purpose of protecting freedom and individual rights.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Libertarian Party of Ohio

What committees interest you?

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, I am a strong proponent of government accountability and transparency. This committee provides an opportunity to investigate and oversee the actions of federal agencies, holding them accountable for inefficiency, corruption, or overreach. It also allows me to push for reducing bureaucratic waste and protecting civil liberties from government overreach.

House and Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs/Relations, Libertarians generally advocate for non-interventionist foreign policy, so serving on these committees would give me the opportunity to influence U.S. foreign relations, military intervention, and international agreements. I could push for reducing military involvement abroad, cutting foreign aid, and promoting diplomacy over military action.

House and Senate Budget Committees, fiscal responsibility is a core Libertarian value, and the Budget Committees oversee federal spending and budgetary matters. I would focus on reducing government spending, balancing the budget, addressing the national debt, and eliminating wasteful programs. These committees offer a platform to challenge excessive spending and promote limited government.

Committee on Small Business, Libertarians champion entrepreneurship and reducing barriers to starting and running businesses. As a small business owner myself, this committee provides a venue to advocate for deregulation, tax reductions, and policies that help small businesses thrive without government interference.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are essential pillars of a healthy democracy.

Financial transparency and accountability ensure that government remains a tool for the people, serving the public good and operating with integrity. Without them, democracy weakens, public trust erodes, and corruption flourishes.