Brian: I see you are on the Republican ticket for this office.  Do you see yourself as a Republican first or a Conservative First?

Josh: While I am a Republican, I consider myself a conservative first. I believe first and foremost in small government, free market and lowering taxes. I think there have been some, on both sides of the aisle over the last decade or so, who have not embraced these principles.

Brian: Josh thank you for your service with the United States Marines, and for continuing to serve the people of Ohio as an elected official.  Both of these are the most noblest of calls one can undertake as an American.  What other similarities do you see between serving in the armed forces and in public representation?

Josh: The Marines reinforced the core values I was raised on – honor, courage and commitment. I think these are important values for anyone serving in public office. When I think about the transition from the days of being a Marine Intelligence Specialist to my hope of becoming the next State Treasurer for Ohio, I know that my training will help me run an efficient and successful office that is disciplined and honest.

Brian: There has been a lot of negative press about the current State Treasurer; Kevin Boyce.  Reports show the use of Treasury Office funds are being used to pay for his reelection efforts.  Do you feel this is appropriate?

Josh: It’s not an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. In these extraordinary times, it is imperative that the treasurer show strong leadership in protecting tax dollars. I believe his decisions on this issue and his subsequent comments defending those decisions – even going so far as to plainly state he plans to buy more water bottles with his name emblazoned on them – shows a lack of judgment.

Brian: Would you officially enact a policy within this office forbidding such activity in the future?

When I announced my candidacy for state treasurer, I said a main priority of the treasurer should be the protection of tax dollars. And this will extend not only to the purchasing of water bottles and grocery bags, but all aspects of the office.

Brian: One aspect of your office includes the Center for Public Investment Management (CPIM), which provides education to Ohio’s public fund manager including cities as well as school systems with the goal of education on areas of cash management, investment and public finance.  What are your thoughts on also using this tool to educate groups on better fiscal responsibility as well?

Josh: I think ideas such as that certainly have merit and are worth exploring. When you look at some of the requirements in law today for public funds managers, there’s no question that ongoing training and educational efforts are important to help better protect tax dollars across Ohio. As I travel throughout Ohio and talk with local finance officers, elected officials and community leaders, I have very much enjoyed seeing some of the initiatives and best practices that have been developed and discussing ways we can adopt those in other communities and at the state level. Good public policy and fiscal management initiatives don’t occur in a vacuum; rather, they are a collaborative effort and an exchange of ideas.

Brian: Your office of public affairs will work hand in hand with legislatures within the General Assembly.  To that end, will your office work on behalf of its constituents to advocate fiscal responsibility?

Josh: Absolutely. I plan to keep Ohio taxpayers informed on what’s going on with their tax dollars, and to be an advocate for them in working to protect their tax dollars.

Brian: A local business had its property taxes adjusted and corrected down, however the local school board insisted on being paid the pre-adjusted higher amount, claiming they “did not recognize” such a dissension.  Is this appropriate?  What are your thoughts?

Josh: No, this is not appropriate.

Josh Mandel is a Marine Intelligence veteran who served two tours in the Iraq War and currently serves as State Representative from the 17th Ohio House District.  He was first elected State Representative in 2006, knocking on 19,679 doors and wearing out three pairs of shoes.  In 2008 he was re-elected to a second term, representing a district with a 2:1 Democrat to Republican voter ratio.  He currently serves as the Ranking Member of the Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities Committee.

Through his role as a member of the House Insurance Committee, Josh participated in the reconstruction of investment oversight for the multi-billion dollar Bureau of Workers’ Compensation investment fund.  This overhaul of BWC investment oversight was the Ohio Legislature’s response to the BWC investment scandals of the past decade.  Josh has also served as Vice-Chairman of the Public Utilities Committee and as a member of the Criminal Justice, Judiciary and Alternative Energy Committees.

Josh is also a proud leader in the school choice movement, motivated by a strong belief in free markets and a philosophy that parents know better than bureaucrats what is best for their children. Due to his leadership on this and other issues, Josh was named legislative “Rookie of The Year” by the non-partisan Columbus Monthly Magazine and “Watchdog of the Treasury” by the United Conservatives of Ohio.

Josh’s previous elected experience includes service as a Lyndhurst City Councilman, where he was elected in 2003 with more votes than any candidate for Council or Mayor.  As Councilman, Josh served on the Finance Committee, dealing with issues including long-term fiscal forecasting, municipal investment strategy and bond-rating protections.  Additionally, Josh introduced and led the fight for the first municipal property tax rollback in Lyndhurst history, which currently remains one of the only municipal property tax rollbacks in Ohio history.

Josh’s family, like many, came to this country seeking a chance at the American Dream.  His Grandpa Joe came from Poland, his Grandma Fernanda from Italy, and his Grandpa Harold served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.  Inspired by his grandparents, Josh carries a strong sense of family, integrity and duty to serve his country.

These values led Josh to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, where he served eight years as an Intelligence Specialist, having graduated first in his class from Marine Corps Boot Camp and first in his class from Marine Corps Intelligence School.  His Marine Corps duty included two tours in Iraq, where he operated throughout the Al Anbar Province.  During both tours, Josh was awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal for “superior performance of his duties.”

Josh holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University, where he served two terms as the Undergraduate Student Government President, and also holds a law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.  He and his wife Ilana reside in Lyndhurst, Ohio, close to their families and just minutes from the homes in which they grew up.

www.joshmandel.com