Arienne Childrey Discusses District 84 Campaign and Priorities on Spectrum

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ST. MARYS — Arienne C. Childrey, the Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 84th House District, discussed her background, campaign priorities and approach to public service during an appearance on WCSM Radio’s Spectrum program.

Childrey is challenging Republican incumbent State Representative Angie King in the November 3 general election. The district includes all of Mercer County and portions of Auglaize and Darke counties.

Childrey told host Kevin Sandler she grew up in the coal-mining region of southwestern Virginia before moving to Celina for a job more than a decade ago. She later served on St. Marys City Council.

Childrey said she initially followed politics without wanting to hold office, but eventually decided to become a candidate because she believed residents needed representation focused on people rather than political divisions.

“I felt like people deserved representation that was focused on putting people over politics,” Childrey said.

One of the major issues discussed during the interview was the development of data centers in Ohio. Childrey said she opposes bringing the facilities into communities when residents do not support them.

She raised concerns about the amount of land, water and electricity used by data centers, along with the potential impact on utility customers. Childrey also questioned whether the facilities would create enough permanent jobs to offset their effects on surrounding communities.

“The people are saying, ‘Let’s stop it,’” Childrey said. “I’m going to stand with the people.”

Childrey said elected officials should listen to residents and people working within affected industries rather than assume they are experts on every issue. She pointed to agriculture as an area where a representative must learn directly from farmers.

“I’m never going to be a farming expert because I’m not a farmer, but I can listen to them,” Childrey said. “I can take their concerns to the Statehouse.”

The discussion also addressed rising utility, fuel and grocery costs. Childrey described Ohio as facing an affordability crisis and said state leaders should protect essential services, food banks and other programs used by families who are struggling financially.

Childrey criticized state spending on the Cleveland Browns’ planned stadium project, saying public money should instead be directed toward local communities and services.

She also said representatives must work to return state funding to their districts because local tax dollars pay for many of the services residents see and use each day.

Childrey said her previous experience in local government showed that many issues can be addressed without focusing on party labels. She cited infrastructure and community development as areas where elected officials should be able to find common ground.

She added that she would be willing to disagree with Democratic Party leadership when she believes its position conflicts with the interests of District 84 residents.

“Party leadership does not run me, and it never will,” Childrey said. “I’m about the people in my district.”

Childrey said campaigning across the district has allowed her to speak with residents who hold a wide range of political beliefs. She encouraged people to have conversations with those with whom they disagree and to recognize the shared concerns affecting families across party lines.

Additional information about Childrey and her campaign is available at ari4ohio.com.