MOUNT VERNON — Getting back to the core of Democratic Party values is the key to being successful in the political arena, according to Zack Space. Health care, jobs and education are the issues Americans believe need addressed, and Space intends to bring those to the forefront in his bid to win the Democratic Party nomination for the 18th District Congressional seat in the primary election this May.

“The answer for Democrats is to show — no, prove — to the American people, the Democratic values, that we care about what matters to them. We need to provide health care for seniors, fight poverty, keep good jobs and educate our children. Those are all moral values we believe very strongly in,” said Space. “The people who represent our district — the farmers, coal miners, factory workers, teachers — are ordinary, hard-working Americans. They are not asking too much from their representative. They should expect nothing less.”

Zack Space

Space is the city law director in Dover, a small city in Tuscarawas County, and a small-business owner. He was in Mount Vernon on Tuesday for a fund-raising luncheon. He’s lived in Tuscarawas County all his life, with the exception of his four years of college at Kenyon College in Gambier.

“I think my business, legal and political experience qualify me for the job. I’m not a life-long politician, but I’ve had enough taste of politics that I would not get lost in Washington,” Space said. “We had a good turnout today (at the luncheon). I got to meet 45 people today. Hopefully, they each tell four or five people about me.

“I’ve received a very warm reception virtually everywhere I’ve been. I think people care about what a person stands for, no matter what they do. I tell people where I stand.”

Space is one of four Democratic candidates for the 18th District Congressional seat currently held by Bob Ney.

“If I’m lucky enough to get through the primary, I look for this to be a very interesting general election. I think common sense will prevail and the people will say no to corruption,” Space said. “Two years ago, I would have said there was no way Bob Ney would get beat. The constituents were not aware of his dark side. They are now. The bottom line is, do you feel comfortable with your congressman — your sole voice in Washington.”

There are many issues facing Congress in the near future, but one of the main ones is the national debt, according to Space.

“The numbers are staggering. We’re spending $900,000 more a minute than we’re taking in. How long can this continue?” Space asked. “We’re engaged in a war that is costing us $100 to $150 million a week and giving wealthy Americans tax cuts. That’s fiscally irrational behavior. We need to prioritize what we’re spending money on and look at where we’re getting money from.

“We need to start with rolling back the tax cuts for the wealthy ... and to re-examine our position in Iraq. This war is crippling our economy. The longer it lasts, the worse the damage will be. We should be investing in nonpetroleum-based industries. We’re too dependent on foreign oil.”

Jobs and health care are also issues that concern Space.

“Jobs are the most significant issue we have. We need to rethink our current trade policies, and, at the same time, do more to revitalize the economy in our district,” Space said. “The natural option is to invest in research and development. Ethanol production and clean coal technologies, because of the makeup of the district, are a great fit for us.

“The increase in cost of health care is a difficult burden on our economy and working families. We need to rethink how we deliver health care and how we pay for it. We need a clean slate and to look at all options and stop letting the insurance and pharmaceutical companies write legislation.”

Space has been picking up quite a few endorsements during his campaign, including many from city and county officials in the district, as well as the United Auto Workers, the FOP and firefighters. But it’s the local support that Space feels is the best.

“I’m lucky to have the support of some really good people — people like Tom McHugh, Margaret Banning, Sam Barone and many others. I’m delighted with that outpouring of support. I feel like I have a connection with this county,” Space said.