AREA STOP — Among those taking part in Saturday’s meet-the-candidates event were, from left, David Pepper, candidate for lieutenant governor; Maureen Howard, Jefferson County Democratic Party vice president; Dr. Amy Acton, who is seeking her party’s nomination for governor; and Eddie Abdalla, Jefferson County Democratic Party chairman. -- Julie Stenger

RAYLAND — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton spoke to area residents inside the auditorium of Buckeye Local High School Saturday evening.

During the event, Acton detailed her platform, which centers on restoring lifelines for working families, emphasizing increased investment in public schools, lowering energy costs and expanding access to affordable childcare.

Joining her was David Pepper, who is Acton’s running mate. Pepper addressed an audience that included several local and state politicians, as well as congressional candidates seeking office in this election cycle.

Pepper said the ticket is running on a platform of government transparency and voter rights and focused on the necessity of rooting out corruption to ensure state resources are used for “merit and hard work rather than special interests.”

Among the other themes were the need for state-level accountability and specific initiatives to combat medical debt and rising property taxes in the region.

It’s likely Acton will face off against Vivek Ramaswamy, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the May 5 primary.

Both are looking to succeed Gov. Mike DeWine.