Voters in Ohio’s 58th House District next week will choose between incumbent Al Cutrona, 33, a Republican, and Democrat Bruce Neff, 73, a current Canfield council member. Both reside in Canfield.

Cutrona holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Youngstown State University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He was first appointed to his Statehouse seat in May 2020, filling the remainder of the term of Republican Don Manning who had died in office in March 2020.

Cutrona listed his priorities, if re-elected, as economic and community development, as well as infrastructure investments.

In a completed questionnaire and a written statement to the newspaper’s editorial board, Cutrona said he will work to remove the state income tax in Ohio, a move he believes will help drive new business to our state. His written statement did not elaborate on how he would make up the tax dollars that would be lost with elimination of the state income tax. Cutrona declined to participate in a personal interview with the newspaper’s editorial board to answer questions for the purpose of seeking our endorsement.

Additionally, Cutrona said he hopes to reduce high energy costs by maximizing energy production in Ohio.

“Energy independence provides a stable economy and lowers the cost of living,” Cutrona wrote in his statement.

Other priorities listed by Cutrona include protecting parental rights in public schools and passage of legislation to further protect children from violent sex offenders via barring them from working or volunteering in places close to children.

Challenger Neff first was elected to Canfield City Council in 2017. He lost the mayoral race in that city to Don Dragish in 2021.

During his personal interview with The Vindicator Editorial Board, Neff said he understands, if elected, he likely will be a Democrat working with a Republican supermajority in Columbus; however, that doesn’t worry him.

“I am not a radical, and I am not a leftist,” Neff said, so he believes he will be able to work in unity across the aisle.

Neff does, however, take a liberal view on both abortion and gun rights.

Neff said he would support passing the Reproduction Freedom Act to restore women’s right to abortion. He also said he supports gun rights, and is a member of the Canfield Outdoors Club; still he also opposes availability of assault weapons to the general public and would like to incentivize the manufacture of smart guns that can detect who is holding them and limit who is firing them.

He also said he would work to repeal concealed-carry legislation that gives school districts discretion about arming teachers and other personnel — especially with little or no training or permit.

Regarding economic growth, Neff said he would work hard to rebuild the middle-class success story. He believes growing our region as “Voltage Valley” helps make that goal attainable, especially with “better leadership from the district.”

Overall, we found Neff to be informed and articulate on issues affecting the 58th district and the state of Ohio.

We endorse Democratic candidate Bruce Neff for the Statehouse seat.