Vernon Sykes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vernon Sykes
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Sykes in 2024
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| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 28th district |
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| In office January 3, 2017 – January 3, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas C. Sawyer |
| Succeeded by | Casey Weinstein |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 44th district |
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| In office January 2, 2007 – December 31, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Barbara Sykes |
| Succeeded by | Emilia Sykes |
| In office March 16, 1983 – December 31, 2000 |
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| Preceded by | Pete Crossland |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Sykes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 2, 1951 Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | Emilia Sykes |
| Residences | Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Ohio University (BA) Wright State University (MS) Harvard University (MPA) University of Akron (PhD) |
| Profession | Educator |
Vernon Sykes was born on October 2, 1951. He is an American politician who serves as a state Senator for the 28th district in the Ohio Senate. He has held this position since 2017. His district includes several cities and towns in Summit County, like Akron and Barberton.
Sykes is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming a state Senator, he served in the Ohio House of Representatives for many years. He was also a member of the Akron City Council.
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Vernon Sykes's Political Journey
Vernon Sykes started his political career on the Akron City Council. He served two terms there. After that, he was appointed to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1983.
Serving in the Ohio House
Sykes first served in the Ohio House from 1983 until 2000. He had to leave because of "term limits." Term limits are rules that say how long a person can serve in a particular office. His wife, Barbara Sykes, took his place in 2001.
In 2006, his wife decided to run for a different state job. Vernon Sykes then decided to run for his old House seat again. He won the election by a large number of votes.
Important Roles in the House
During his time in the House, Sykes held important roles. He was appointed as the Chairman of the House Finance Committee. This committee deals with how the state spends its money. He also served on other committees, including Local Government and State Government and Elections.
Sykes was re-elected several times. In 2014, he reached his term limits again. His daughter, Emilia Sykes, then took over his seat.
Becoming a State Senator
In 2016, the state Senator for Akron, Thomas C. Sawyer, had to leave office due to term limits. Vernon Sykes decided to run for this open Senate seat. He won the election with 61% of the votes. He officially became a state Senator on January 3, 2017.
What Vernon Sykes Cares About
As a state Senator, Vernon Sykes works on important issues for Ohio. He has often spoken about how the state manages its money.
Views on State Spending
Sykes has been concerned about plans to "privatize" some state services. Privatization means letting private companies do jobs that the government used to do. He believes that the state government needs to keep a close eye on these new companies.
He has also shared his thoughts on the state's budget plans. He has worried about cuts to funding for local governments. He also had concerns about plans to privatize some state prisons. Sykes is part of a special committee that helps decide the state's budget.
