As Ohio gears up for the upcoming elections, residents of central Ohio have a unique opportunity to meet the candidates vying for their votes. The event, Meet the Candidates, will take place on October 15th at 6:30pm at the Silva Café. This is an excellent chance for the community to engage directly with candidates and learn about their visions for the future. This event will be moderated by Jerry Black, President of the Ohio Professional Bail Bond Association. Jerry’s experience in community leadership and public safety will provide valuable context and guidance throughout the evening. Anyone wishing to attend can RSVP to (614)915-8820.
Brian Garvine is running for Ohio House District 10. A resident of Grove City, Brian brings a wealth of experience, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by residents in the district. Raised by a single mother, he worked diligently to achieve his education and ultimately established a successful law firm in German Village. Brian’s focus is on improving the quality of life for residents through fostering growth and development businesses and improving education and education choice for our families. Having served as a three-term member of the Village of Ashville Council, he has a proven track record of community involvement and leadership.
Brian is a result oriented, bottom-line business owner. He wants to work hard to improve the quality of life for our residents through fostering growth and development for businesses and improving education and education choice for our families. Our residents work hard and deserve to live in a community where the economy is strong, businesses can thrive, and the community is safe. Families and businesses deserve that freedom and choice.
Central Ohio overall is experiencing multiple economic opportunities. The addition/increased presence of Intel, Google and Honda alone will result in a substantial increase in jobs and economic growth in Central Ohio. Brian wants to make sure our District enjoys that same growth/opportunity.
Brian previously served his community in Pickaway County as a three-term member of the Village of Ashville Council. Brian served as President pro tem of Ashville’s Council for two of his three terms. He currently serves as the Personnel Director for the Village of Ashville. He also serves as the Magistrate for the Village of Ashville Mayor’s Court.
These are some of Brian’s current and former community service:
- Member – Development Board – Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
- Co-chairman – Forward Together Columbus.
- Ohio State University Alumni Association – “Juror”- College of Arts &
Sciences Professional Achievement Award. - Previous Vice-President-National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities.
- Member of Village of Ashville Council:
- Chairman – Public Safety Committee
- Chairman – Parks & Recreation Committee
- Chairman – Utility Committee.
- President pro tem – Village of Ashville.
- Current Personnel Director – Village of Ashville.
- Magistrate – Mayor’s Court – Village of Ashville.
- Former Board of Trustees Member – Visit Grove City.
Besa Sharrah, the other candidate is running for Ohio Senate District 16. She is a first-generation American whose personal history shapes her commitment to public service. Growing up in post-communist Albania, Besa witnessed the consequences of failed political dialogue and has dedicated her life to advocating democracy and freedom. Sharrah wrote on her website “I am running for office because you deserve better. With the cost of inflation and rising taxes, our lifestyle and hard work are under attack. We don’t need lackluster representatives who are focused on driving their own agenda. This district needs strong representation. We have several issues at stake, and your health, wealth, and well-being.”
With experience in both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies like Emerson Climate Technologies, Nationwide Insurance and JP Morgan Chase. Her role as Vice President of Project Execution for the Global Resiliency Program, collaborating with the Federal Reserve and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, showcased her exceptional skills and expertise. She founded Sharrah Group Consulting to support different entities with political, social, and economic advice for domestic and international affairs.
Besa brings a unique perspective to the political arena. She is passionate about education reform, advocating for school choice and equitable opportunities for all families. Her multifaceted contributions reflect her compassion, empathy, and dedication to creating a just society. As a potential state senator, Besa pledges to challenge ineffective systems and fight for equal opportunity in her district. She enjoys volunteering at the Healthy New Albany pantry.
As the candidates for Ohio House District 10 and Ohio Senate District 16, Brian Garvine and Besa Sharrah embody a commitment to public service rooted in personal experience and community engagement. Brian’s dedication to improving the quality of life for residents through economic growth and educational reform reflects his deep understanding of local challenges. Meanwhile, Besa’s resilience and advocacy for democracy and equal opportunity resonate strongly with voters seeking authentic representation and change. Both candidates bring unique perspectives and a shared passion for empowering their communities, making the upcoming election a pivotal moment for the future of central Ohio.
This event is an opportunity for constituents to voice their concerns and ask questions directly to the candidates. Both Brian and Besa are eager to share their visions for Ohio and listen to the issues that matter most to the community. Whether your passionate about education, economic development, or public safety, this event will provide insights into how each candidate plans to address critical issues.
Join us at the Silva Café on October 15th to engage in meaningful dialogue and make your voice heard in the upcoming election. Your participation is vital to the democratic process and the future of our community!
Sources: