We need someone who will stand up for our voice in the Ohio House of Representatives. That’s why we’re choosing to endorse Kathleen Clyde, a Democrat.

In a district where students grow up knowing there will be very little job prospects in the area, we need someone who finally understands our needs.

Clyde is dedicated to ensuring more affordable higher education for residents. She understands that affordable, quality education is the first step to improving the local economy.

As a Portage County native — Garrettsville to be specific — she knows what it’s like to grow up in Northeast Ohio. She lives in Kent now.

Clyde knows the issues we face because she has experienced them herself. She speaks knowledgably about Ohio’s Third Frontier, which is helping our very own Liquid Crystal Institute, a world-class leader in its field. Unlike her opponent, W. Roak Zeller, she already has experience in Columbus.

After finishing law school, Clyde worked in the Secretary of State’s office and as a senior staff member for Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish.

She already knows what things work and how things work in Columbus, and through it all, she isn’t jaded by years spent in office. Vote for Clyde on Nov. 2. Send her to Columbus to stand up for higher education and economic improvement.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.