Samantha Meadows- Ohio – US House (District 2)
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am a former Advanced EMT-I & First Responder. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and volunteer as an End of Life Companion. I have been on the front line in the fight against opioids in my community. I am a survivor of childhood domestic gun violence. I also have a neurological disability that has changed my life exponentially. I want to inspire others with similar experiences to run for office.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Congress because our country is at an inflection point. Bluster, bravado, conspiracy theories, and lies have been used by Republican members of Congress to create instability within the United States. Such propaganda has created polarization and divisiveness in our communities. The stage has been set for confrontations rather than conversations, anger over understanding, and violence. We need to regain a sense of who we are as a country. We shouldn’t be fighting WITH one another; we should be fighting FOR one another. My goal is to bring back civility into politics. I want to work for the American people. I want to be a part of a Revival of the American Dream that is more inclusive.
What are the three biggest issues facing your community?
1. Opioid Addiction
2. Poverty
3. Lack of good-paying jobs
How do you propose to solve those problems?
1. We need a better treatment model for opioid addiction, at the federal level. Current treatment models require the bare minimum and lack effectiveness. I want to help create a model that will have more successful outcomes.
2. The poverty in our communities goes hand in hand with addiction. Children are bearing the brunt of the problem. They oftentimes have a parent who has died from an overdose or is incarcerated. We need better social programs in place that will address the needs of those children so that they have equal opportunities for post-secondary education or trade schools. Also, an effective treatment model that lessens relapse rates will help those in recovery in lifting themselves and their family out of poverty.
3. Creating good local jobs requires bringing in new industries into our region. We have the opportunity to transform a former uranium enrichment site into an eco-friendly power plant. This would protect our current unions at that site and create opportunities for more individuals to become union workers. We are an excellent location for other clean energy projects as well.
What is your stance on environmental and climate concerns that are facing your community?
I strongly believe that we need to improve our community’s involvement and understanding of climate and environmental issues. We have not yet fully grasped that our industries can work hand in hand with environmental protections. We have some of the most beautiful state parks and forests in the country. I am 100% committed to protecting them.
What commonsense gun safety measures would have the most impact on your community?
Raising the legal age for purchasing firearms to 21, include a ban on the purchase of AR-15 style assault weapons and armor-piercing bullets, and closing loopholes that allow guns to be sold legally without a thorough background check.
How would criminal justice reforms impact your community?
Our community needs criminal justice reform that would center around treating addiction and mental health issues before incarceration. It needs to be an intensive, effective program based around decreasing recidivism.
How would you work to protect a woman’s reproductive health?
I am 100% for women’s reproductive rights. I would work on legislation and vote for legislation that protects those rights.
What measures would you advocate to ensure that your constituents have the right to vote?
I believe that every member of our community who has the legal right to vote MUST have access to the ballot. I would advocate ensuring that we retain the right to vote by mail and that in-person voting is not hindered.
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