Bullock Kicking Off Run for State Representative

February 3, 2018–After receiving the Democratic Party endorsement and the backing of a long list of prominent Lakewood and Cleveland leaders, Lakewood Councilperson Tom Bullock this weekend kicked off his candidacy for state representative pledging to champion cities and urban development needs in Columbus. Bullock is running for Ohio’s 13th House District, which includes Lakewood, parts of Cleveland, and Linndale. Outgoing Representative Nickie Antonio is term-limited and is no longer eligible to run.

“For ten years, I’ve served my community as a councilperson, and I’ve shown I can work collaboratively with others get things done for residents. I’m proud of my role in making Lakewood strong,” said Bullock. “I’m running for state representative to continue this work to strengthen communities throughout the 13th District and our region.”

“Cities are the engines of Ohio’s economy. By making them stronger, we’ll improve the entire state,” said Bullock.

But Bullock said the state legislature doesn’t understand this and in recent years has conducted “an all-out assault on cities” that has hurt communities through cuts, attacks on home rule, attempts to dictate how cities collect taxes, and underinvestment in public transit and education.

“The state legislature has cut investment in cities even though two thirds of Ohioans live in metropolitan areas. Lakewood loses $3 million annually from severe cuts to the Local Government Fund and estate tax losses. Cleveland has lost more than $200 million,” said Bullock “That’s hurting communities, and many have been forced to increase local taxes to keep police officers on the street. And it harms economic development, reducing jobs and opportunities for everyone.”

“We demand better results from Columbus,” declared Bullock. “The state legislature is rowing in the wrong direction. It will be through investing in cities, education, and workers that Greater Cleveland and Ohio regain our historic leadership in innovation once again. That’s the path forward to a growing economy, thriving communities, and more opportunities for everyone.”

Bullock said he will be a strong voice in Columbus who will:

• put the needs of working families first;
• work to bring back jobs and opportunities to Ohio;
• fight against steep state cuts to cities and schools;
• and stand up for the rights of all, especially vulnerable groups like LGBTQ, senior, and disabled Ohioans.

Bullock launched his campaign as the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party’s officially endorsed Democrat and with a long list of elected officials and community leaders backing him:

• Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers;
• Lakewood Council President Sam O’Leary;
• Lakewood Council Vice President David Anderson;
• Lakewood Councilperson John Litten;
• Former Lakewood Councilperson Cindy Marx;
• Gabrielle Jackson, Lakewood resident and President, Northeast Ohio Young Black Democrats;
• Democratic City Leader for Lakewood, Karolyn Isenhart;
• Cuyahoga Democratic Party Chairwoman Shontel Brown;
• Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley;
• Cleveland Councilperson Kerry McCormack;
• David Wondolowski, Executive Secretary, Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council;
• Chris Ronayne, President of University Circle Inc.;
• Jan Roller, board member for the Port of Cleveland and a prominent leader in the Cuyahoga Democratic Women's Caucus.

Bullock is a working dad of two young boys and has more than 20 years of professional experience in government and public service, including work in Washington D.C., Ohio, and ten years on Lakewood City Council. He has a B.A. in government from American University in Washington, D.C. and an M.A. in Classics from the University of London.