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Rep. Barbara Sykes to run for State Auditor

For Immediate Release                                                          January 24, 2006

Contact: TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney                                  Phone: 614-341-6912

STATEHOUSE:  State Representative Barbara Sykes (D-Akron) announced her campaign for Ohio Auditor of State.  “After much thought, I believe that the current atmosphere in Columbus requires someone who has demonstrated the courage and experience to be an independent voice to insure accountability and make sure taxpayers get their monies worth.  When you evaluate the office that best positions Ohio’s future, an independent auditor who uses the power of the office to keep Ohio honest, is perhaps the most important race of 2006.”

“We shouldn’t have to rely on newspapers to find out Ohio is investing in rare coins, beanie babies and bottles of wine.  An Auditor should perform the duties of their job thoroughly, regardless of party affiliation, to assure state funding is secured.  Rep. Sykes (D-Akron) has centered her public service career on fighting to protect the fiscal integrity of all Ohio taxpayers.  She is recognized as a strong advocate for Ohio families and for policies that protect the rights of children.

“I believe that it takes focus, and dogged determination to protect Ohio citizens from government excess – whether it is through using audits to protect taxpayers, or using the floor of the Ohio House to be the voice for Ohioan’s who are often silenced by the pay-to-play atmosphere in Columbus said Rep. Sykes.”

Barbara Sykes was the first African-American woman to serve on the Akron City Council, chairing the Finance Committee.  Barbara Sykes served as a Deputy Auditor of Summit County for twelve years.  She was elected in November 2004 to a third term in the Ohio House of Representatives. 

Rep. Sykes has been known as a progressive thinker, and forceful voice, and an effective policymaker in her leadership roles as Ranking Member of Ways & Means, Ranking Member of Health & Human Services’ Sub-committee of House Finance & Appropriation, and President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.

Beyond her service in city hall, county government and the Statehouse, Rep. Sykes also has been active in statewide politics. She was the Democratic nominee for state treasurer in 1994 and served as the Ohio Political Director for the 1992 Clinton-Gore Campaign.  Rep. Sykes earned her undergraduate degree in social work and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Akron. Rep. Sykes and her husband, Dr. Vernon Sykes, have two daughters, Stancy and Emilia, and one grandson, Hugh.

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• Rep. Barbara Sykes Bio