Don Kissick is the Libertarian Party candidate for Ohio governor in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democratic candidate Amy Acton.

Asked why he is running, Kissick said in our candidate questionnaire: "Ohioans deserve a government that works for them, not political parties, powerful corporations or special interests. … I'm running for Governor to make Ohio more affordable, protect individual liberty and privacy, increase transparency and accountability in government, and give working families and small businesses a stronger voice."

Candidate information

Age: 56

Residence: Ottawa, Ohio

Party: Libertarian

Education: Kissick said he "attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, where I studied Technical Communication from 1995 to 1998. I also completed extensive technical training during my service in the United States Navy, including Fire Controlman "A" School and advanced Fire Controlman "C" School."

Family: Kissick said: "I am married to my wife, Sarah, and we live in Ottawa, Ohio. Together, we are raising our son, Jeremiah, and my stepdaughter, Cameron."

Experience and public service

Kissick said he "currently work[s] as a Master Control Operator for a television station in Lima." He said he "worked for nearly a decade at Honda of America Manufacturing" and "also worked as an HVAC technician."

He said he "served six years in the United States Navy as a Fire Controlman, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and serving during Desert Shield and Desert Storm."

He has not held elected office. Kissick said he has "served in several leadership positions within the Libertarian Party, including Chair of the Allen County Libertarian Party, a member of the Libertarian Party of Ohio Central Committee, and as a Central Committee Chair." He said he has also "previously been a candidate for Congress and the U.S. Senate."

On the issues

Affordability and property taxes: Kissick said his top priority is "making Ohio affordable for working families again, beginning with property-tax reform." He said he would "pursue legislation to begin phasing out property taxes on owner-occupied homes and family farms, starting with an approximately 25% reduction. The state would simultaneously increase its responsibility for school funding and protect essential local services while honoring existing debt obligations."

In a separate response on property taxes, Kissick said: "No Ohioan should lose a home they have paid for simply because they can no longer afford the property taxes."

Data centers: Kissick said he would "pause immediate construction of new data centers until affected communities have meaningful input and buy-in." He said data centers "should pay the energy, water and infrastructure costs they create rather than shifting those costs onto homeowners, farmers and small businesses."

Education and school funding: Kissick said he supports "strengthening the Fair School Funding Plan while reducing public schools' dependence on local property taxes." On vouchers, he said: "I have concerns about universal private-school vouchers, particularly taxpayer subsidies for families who already attended and could afford private schools while public districts struggle for resources."

Public safety: Kissick said he would "prioritize resources for local law enforcement, officer training and targeted efforts against violent crime, human trafficking and organized criminal activity." He also said "public safety should not become an excuse for warrantless mass surveillance."

Economy and cost of living: Kissick said he supports "reducing property taxes on owner-occupied homes and family farms, eliminating unnecessary corporate subsidies, and reviewing taxes and fees that increase everyday costs."

Government reform: Kissick said on his campaign website that he wants to "ban legislators from becoming lobbyists for 5 years after they're in office" and wants "total transparency in government contracts and budgets."

Candidate responses were collected through the Montgomery-Blue Ash Courier candidate questionnaire. Answers have been excerpted for length. Additional policy positions were reported by cleveland.com.