Michael Ashford facts for kids

Michael Ashford (born September 15, 1955) is a former leader in the Ohio government. He used to be a representative for a large area in Toledo, Ohio, helping over 116,000 people. He was known as the Minority Whip in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Michael Ashford's Public Service

Early Life and Education

Michael Ashford grew up in Toledo. He went to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to study sociology. Later, he earned a master's degree from Spring Arbor University. He dedicated his career to helping communities. He worked with organizations like the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Serving Toledo City Council

Michael Ashford began his political career on the Toledo City Council. He was first chosen for the Council in January 2002. The people of District 4 supported him in special and general elections in 2003 and 2007. He served on the Council until 2010.

During 2007, he was the president of the Toledo City Council. He also led the Public Utilities Committee. He worked hard to pass "Issue 79." This was a big project to fix Toledo's old water system. It helped improve water quality for everyone. He also helped create a new entertainment area in Downtown Toledo. As a Councilman, he managed important budget issues. He worked closely with local groups to get resources for neighborhoods.

In the Ohio House of Representatives

After his time on the City Council, Michael Ashford ran for the Ohio House of Representatives. The person who held the seat before him, Edna Brown, could not run again. This was because of rules about how long someone can serve. Ashford ran without anyone opposing him in the first election. He then won the main election by a large number of votes.

Michael Ashford started his first term on January 3, 2011. He worked on several important committees. These included committees for Finance and Appropriations, Insurance, and Public Utilities. He also served on the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood.

Important Committees

• House Committee on Finance and Appropriations
• House Committee on Public Utilities
• House Committee on Insurance
• House Committee on Rules and Reference
• Joint Legislative Ethics Commission

Views on Policies

Michael Ashford often spoke about important issues. He did not agree with a plan by the Ohio Republican Party. This plan aimed to change how state employees could work together to discuss their pay and working conditions. Ashford believed this plan would hurt the state's economy. He thought it would not create jobs.

Leading the Lucas County Democratic Party

On June 2, 2020, Michael Ashford was chosen as the Chairman of the Lucas County Democratic Party. He held this leadership role for nearly three years. He resigned from this position on March 31, 2023.