Jonathan Dever
Jonathan Dever (born November 28, 1972) is the Representative for the 28th district of the Ohio House of Representatives. Dever was raised in Montgomery, Ohio and went on to graduate with a BA from University of Cincinnati, an MILR from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a JD from Capital University Law School. He has since started the Dever Law Firm in Cincinnati, where he lives with his wife and two sons.[1] In 2014, Dever opted to run for the Ohio House of Representatives in the 28th district, which had been represented by Democrat Connie Pillich for the past six years. In a close primary, Dever prevailed by 66 votes.[2] He would go on to face Democrat Micah Kamrass, in what would be one of the closest watched state House races of the cycle.[3] He would ultimately defeat Kamrass 56%-44% to take the seat.
Representative Dever was appointed by the Speaker to serve on Ways and Means Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Judiciary Committee, Community and Family Advancement Committee, and the Sub-Committee on Minority Affairs.
| Jonathan Dever | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 28th district | |
|
Assumed office January 6, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Connie Pillich |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 28, 1972 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Martha |
| Residence | Madeira, Ohio |
| Alma mater |
University of Cincinnati Indiana University of Pennsylvania Capital University Law School |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Religion | Protestant |
Early Life and Education
Dever was born in Tacoma, Washington as his father, a Cincinnati native, was stationed at Fort Lewis Military Base during the Vietnam Conflict. His father instilled in him the values of public service and after an Honorable Discharge, the Dever family moved back home to the Cincinnati area.
Dever was raised in Montgomery, Ohio and went on to graduate with a BA from University of Cincinnati where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Later, he earned a master's degree in Industrial Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and subsequently earned his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. He has since started the Dever Law Firm in West Chester, Ohio. He currently he lives in Madeira with his wife and two sons.
Ohio General Assembly
Ohio House of Representatives
Wasting no time after taking office, Dever gained a reputation as no-nonsense legislator who could get things done. In the General Assembly's annual Family Feud event, he was selected as the most influential first term legislator.
Jobs
- HB 387 - Small Claims Court - The Bill doubles the contested amount that can be adjudicated in Small Claims Court from $3,000 to $6,000. This will allow small business who cannot afford the legal fees and experts for a Municipal Court hearing, to pursue their claims up to $6,000 without an attorney.
Education
Disability
- HB 155 - The Ohio ABLE Act[6][7]
- HB 158 - Developmental Disability - removed the term "mentally retarded" from the ORC. This legislation was extremely technical as these changes effected our prison system, reimbursement for medical treatment, and the administration of services at the county level.[8]
- HB 358 - Tax Parity for ABLE Account Holders – builds on a bill I sponsored which was passed in 2015, HB 155. Contributions to ABLE Accounts now receive same tax treatment as saving for a child's 529. It also allows out of state families to participate in the Ohio program. This legislation was amended into the DD MBR and was passed by both chambers.
Housing
- HB 303 - The DOLLAR Deed - allows a homeowner to stay in their home as a tenant when facing foreclosure rather than being put out on the street. DOLLAR stands for Deed Over your property in exchange for a Lender Lease and an Agreed Repurchase. It allows people the chance to get back on their feet and keep their home.[9][10][11]
- HB 463 - Foreclosure Reform - overhauls the processes and procedures related to foreclosure. And for the first time, gives power and tools to local governments to solve their blighted and abandoned properties. The Bill passed the House earlier in the month and was amended into HB 390 so that it would pass before the summer.[12]
Heroin Epidemic
- HB 171 - Attacking the Heroin Epidemic - treats heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine the same when it comes to punishing drug traffickers. Prior to this change in law, heroin was treated similar to marijuana trafficking.[13][14][15]
- HB 270 - Holding dealers responsible for overdose deaths.
Central Corridor Gas Pipeline Extension Project
Dever has major concerns with the proposed routes for Duke Energy's Central Corridor Gas Pipeline Extension Project, stating that the routes that run through residential neighborhoods would jeopardize families, schools, and communities. Dever supports the establishment of a dialogue between Duke Energy and local residents and officials so that all interested parties have the opportunity to address their concerns before any further action is taken.[16]
Political Campaigns
2014 Campaign
In 2014, Dever ran for the Ohio House of Representatives in the 28th district, which had been represented by Democrat Connie Pillich since 2009. In a close primary, Dever prevailed by 66 votes. He would go on to face Democrat Micah Kamrass, in what would be one of the closest watched State House races of the 2014 campaign cycle. He would ultimately defeat Kamrass 56%-44% and was sworn in as State Representative in January, 2015.
2016 Campaign
Running for a second term in the Ohio House, Dever was unopposed in the 2016 Primary Election.
References
- ↑ "About Jonathan Dever". Retrieved 2014-12-10.
- ↑ "Dever officially wins House GOP race". Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati. 2014-05-21. Retrieved 2014-12-10.
- ↑ "Streetcar opponent, ex-OSU student prez in tight race". Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati. 2014-10-14. Retrieved 2014-12-10.
- ↑ "Dever: School funding fight not over". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "GOP plan spares Mason, Lakota, other schools". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "The Akron Legal News". www.akronlegalnews.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "ABLE savings accounts coming to Ohio". Autism Speaks. 2012-07-25. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ Jacon-Duffy, Marais (2016-01-30). "Ohio House unanimously votes to ban 'R-word' from state law". WCPO. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "Column: House bills make home ownership easier". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "Daily Court Reporter : News : Bill proposing buy-back program for foreclosed properties progresses". www.dailycourt.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "Bill proposing buy-back program for foreclosed properties progresses | The Daily Reporter". www.thedailyreporteronline.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "Ohio Legislature Contemplating Streamlining Foreclosures of Vacant and Abandoned Properties". Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "Crackdown on heroin dealers?". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "Column: Ohio Legislature is battling heroin epidemic". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ Group, Sinclair Broadcast. "Heroin bill to increase penalties for dealers". WTTE. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
- ↑ "Dever to Duke: Ditch gas pipeline routes". Retrieved 2016-07-27.
