Buckler committed to improving communication and working together to better 90th District
Buckler committed to improving communication and working together to better 90th District
By Bill Shope
Scioto Voice Writer
Adrienne Buckler knows exactly why she is here and has arrived at this point. “I have always wanted to do this-I have always had this desire to affect positive change and stand up for people. I want to do the work of the people and do big things for our area,” the Democratic candidate for the Ohio House of representatives 90thDistrict. That particular seat had been occupied by local physician Dr. Terry Johnson since 2011.
Buckler, as many do, see the opioid crisis as a top priority in a renewal to make her District whole again. “You know, it is difficult to talk about just one issue down here, without talking about all of the others-they all go together. You cannot solve just one at a time. I do, however, see the effect opioids have had on our area, I deal with it all of the time in my law practice. I believe, number one, we must support Medicaid expansion-opioids do not discriminate by socio-economic classes, but a number of folks here receive their treatment through Medicaid and if that is reduced in any way, it will cause a lot of other issues in many other areas, it could potentially have a devastating domino effect-industry, education and our court systems will all feel that sting.”
Buckler also lamented the “current disconnect” she sees between the justice system and treatment centers and rehabilitation opportunities. “I think we have to work together at all levels, especially at the state level, to fund the programs that are working. We need to improve the dialogue between our courts and our rehabilitation centers so we are not just sentencing people to jail and letting them “dry out” so to speak and then releasing them. We should be focusing on helping them to rehabilitate so that they can become responsible, tax-paying citizens and take care of their families and hold down a job. The need for this funding to continue is critical. I think the State could declare this problem as an emergency and use rainy day funding, which they have, to do so. It is imperative, though, that the programs that have been effective in treatment are the ones we help fund.”
The local attorney also spoke clearly and directly as to why many of the societal ills continue to plague the state of Ohio and in particular, this region. “People have gotten to a point to where they no longer want to cooperate with each other or to work together and find common ground, whether it is across lines of jurisdiction or even political party lines. No one is reaching across the aisle and ask, “What do you think?” There is no one idea that is perfectly correct. Everything has become so individualized-we must develop comprehensive solutions by working together. This lack of a desire to compromise and work together has killed a lot of outstanding opportunities. I am a young person ready to come in and work with everyone else-I do not possess that negative mindset-I want to hear from everyone I’ll be working with and I want them to hear me.”
The perception of her potential district also troubles the Lucasville native, a lifelong resident of Scioto County. “I think at times, southern Ohio is written off. We are pegged as this drug capital where there isn’t much going on and nothing gets sent in our direction. There is a great deal of potential here in our region. Again, we can help ourselves by having open minds that will contribute to open dialogue.” She also sees an unfair burden being placed upon county governments, telling The Voice, “The state is constantly reducing funding in a number of revenue streams that have had a very negative impact on county governments across the entire state, particularly ours. The heart of the 90thDistrict is in Adams, Scioto and Lawrence counties and if they must be allowed to operate in a financially stable manner. I want this District to be a place of hope and growth. I’m going to fight for that perspective-I believe in that; it is not hopeless here we will turn this area around, together, each county.”
The candidate for State Representative, like her predecessor, is Scioto County born and bred. After graduating from the Valley Local School District, Buckler earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with honors recognition, from The Ohio State University before obtaining her Juris Doctorate in Law from Northern Kentucky University College of Law.
Her profession, as an attorney, she feels, has prepared her for the office for which she is running. “I think the opportunity to be an attorney here in southern Ohio has provided me with a wealth of experience for the job as State Representative. In my day to day work, I encounter all kinds of people and am constantly dealing with all aspects of this community. I believe that will serve me well when I get to Columbus-I work with juveniles through the legal system, which will provide me with a great perspective on how to vote when matter involving children come before me. I deal with criminal court, where citizens are sentenced every day, usually because of problems caused by an addiction. I’ve also dealt with many, many matters such as probate court that effect the elderly. I am seeing how all of these problems affect all of our area on a personal level and my clients look at me as their problem-solver. How I can work with other attorneys or a prosecutor is very important. I will do the same thing for our area in Columbus.”
Buckler also draws experience and inspiration from a source very close to her; her father, Jerry Buckler, is a multi-term Judge in the Domestic Relations Court. “One of my biggest role models, of course, has been my dad. I look up to him a lot-he has always been a leader in this community and I hope to be that type of leader, as well.”
In a press release issued shortly after she filed her petitions to run for the office, Buckler stated, “I wholeheartedly believe that a person’s age or gender should never act as a barrier to advancement or accomplishing one’s dreams. Take me, for example. I am a 27-year-old female who has earned both a baccalaureate and doctorate degree, and who owns and operates her very own successful law practice. And now, I am running for the Ohio House of Representatives to represent Southern Ohio — my home and the area I love,” Buckler says. “When I set my mind on something, I accomplish it. There is no exception. I see no barriers in life. I can assure the citizens of Scioto, Adams and Lawrence counties that my personality, my work ethic and my determination will not change when I am your representative in Columbus.”
“The bottom line is this-we cannot get anything done here or in Columbus unless we have someone represent us that isn’t concerned about political gain or getting revenge on the other political party. We need someone who will put in the work and help us help ourselves. If elected, I will vote in a manner that will truly help our area and not just how my party wants me to vote. A lot of people refer to the current situation in the capitol as being an “R” (Republican) House- I believe it is “our” house. That is how I intend to represent the 90thDistrict beginning day one. I can be an effective leader for Scioto, Adams and Lawrence counties in that I have the dedication, drive and strong voice to represent Southern Ohio. I’m not focused on being the most conservative, the most liberal candidate for this office-I’m focused on being the best candidate for this office. ‘
