On Tuesday afternoon, former state Representative Matt Dolan announced that he is running for the state Senate in the 24th District..
Dolan, 50, a Republican who lives in Chagrin Falls, represented House District 98 from 2005 to 2010. He resigned in January 2010 to focus on a November 2010 run for Cuyahoga County Executive, eventually losing to then-Lakewood Mayor Ed FitzGerald.
The 24th District encompasses Ohio House Districts 6, 7 and 16.
It includes portions of Cuyahoga County and includes 28 communities, including Bay Village, Bentleyville, Berea, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Chagrin Falls, Chagrin Falls Township, Fairview Park, Gates Mills, Glenwillow, Highland Heights, Hunting Valley, Independence, Lyndhurst, Mayfield, Moreland Hills, North Olmsted, North Royalton, Oakwood, Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Rocky River, Seven Hills, Solon, Valley View, Walton Hills, Westlake and Strongsville.
State Sen. Tom Patton, R-Strongsville, currently holds the seat but is ineligible to run for another four-year term.
The horseshoe-shaped district runs from Bay Village and Rocky River in the western suburbs, down to Strongsville and Independence, across Oakwood and Solon and ending in the eastern suburbs.
Dolan is currently a principal in the Chardon-based law firm of Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan. He's a former Assistant Geauga County Prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General and is an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
He received his A. B. in History at Boston College and his Juris Doctor at CWRU School of Law.
Here is Dolan's entire statement:
Ohio is moving in the right direction. As a member of the State Senate I want to contribute to Ohio's growth. Having previously served in the legislature, I know my desire to return to elected office is fueled by my experience and understanding of how the private-public relationship drives a healthier and sustainable economy. I like working on issues that enhance the productivity, prosperity and opportunity for all Ohioans.
Under the leadership of Governor John Kasich and State Senator Tom Patton, Ohio has made great progress. Both will admit that work still remains to keep Ohio growing. I will maintain my efforts on tax reform, workforce development, job growth and retention. I will work relentlessly on streamlining government so obtaining permits, licenses and engaging in the workers compensation system is more efficient and effective.
I enjoy a reputation of someone who can work with both sides of the aisle without sacrificing my principles. I believe in a smaller government that promotes economic growth led by the private sector; protects and promotes Ohio's natural resources; and supports individual freedoms and the sanctity of life.
I want to continue the protection, promotion, and preservation of our greatest natural resource, Lake Erie and ensure our education system prepares students for today and tomorrow's economy.
As an active member of our community, I know the best representative is one who is most responsive to the people.
