Iraq War Veteran Says New Ideas and Strong Leadership Needed Now

BEREA, OHIO – U.S. Navy veteran and business owner Mike Dovilla has announced that he is a candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives in the 18th District.  A resident of the district for more than 20 years, Dovilla attended the Berea public schools and graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College with a degree in economics and political science before pursuing a career in public service.

Dovilla served as a senior advisor to U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich and as a Presidential appointee at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.  In 2006, Dovilla ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, earning the support of more than 70,000 voters in the strongest mid-term challenge to date against Democrat incumbent Dennis Kucinich.  Dovilla holds a master’s degree in public administration from American University in Washington, D.C. and is the owner and president of The Dovilla Group, a Cleveland-based government relations consulting firm.

“The state of Ohio has been hit hard by the recession. So far, we’ve seen too little leadership from the governor and Democrat House majority in Columbus,” stated Dovilla.  “Cleveland’s southwestern suburbs can no longer afford just to get by while our elected leaders continue to talk about solving problems and then fail to deliver.  We need action now to shore up the economy, re-train people who have lost jobs, and make sure our schools, community colleges, and universities are prepared to provide a strong foundation and lifelong learning opportunities for our workforce.”

In 2007, Dovilla served on active duty with the U.S. Navy on a 12-month deployment in Iraq.  As Deputy Officer-in-Charge, he led a 25-person, Baghdad-based intelligence headquarters for Combined Joint Task Force Troy, the counter-improvised explosive device brigade in Iraq. Dovilla was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the third highest award granted by the Department of Defense.  Currently, Lieutenant Dovilla serves as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve and is assigned to a unit in Akron.

“I am running for State Representative because our state and region require proven, energetic citizens to step forward and lead,” continued Dovilla.  “I grew up in this district.  I went to college in this district and I run a business here.  My family has lived in the area for four generations.  I know its people and its needs and, if elected, I will work tirelessly to make a difference for my neighbors and everyone in this community.”

The 18th Ohio House District is comprised of Olmsted Township and the cities of Berea, North Royalton, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville.