Meet Vanessa
Friend, Neighbor, Citizen, Leader.
Reverend Vanessa R. Cummings is a Pastor, a Former Vice-Mayor and City Councilwoman – but first, she’s a friend and a neighbor.
The youngest of three children, her parents taught her to stand up for what she believes in. Vanessa has lived her life doing just that, representing the voice of those whose voices have been diminished or silenced.
Vanessa is a proud graduate of both the University of Alabama and Payne Theological Seminary. Now, she is Pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church in Hamilton, and CEO of Ms. V Consulting, LLC. She has a long history of public service, previously having worked for the Butler County Children Services Board, Miami University, and Columbus State Community College. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Oxford NAACP and on the Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board.
Rev. Cummings is running to represent the people of Ohio, not political interests. She wants citizens to know what’s happening now, not after the votes have been cast. Vanessa believes your voice and vote matter and she will represent you!
How I Will Work for You
Vanessa’s Priorities
Economy
We need to increase the number of people in the workforce. The unemployment level across the state is unacceptable in many industries. Businesses that come to Ohio need to know that they will have people available to hire and should offer living wages. Being Pro-Business also means being Pro-Worker and Pro-Family, and attracting clean and green businesses to our state.
Education
The education system’s success is our children’s success. It’s long past time for POLITICIANS to STOP deciding what is being taught in our schools. The decisions about curriculum should be left up to the PARENTS, who know their kids best, and the EDUCATORS, who know the material best. Our goal should be to improve public education, not undermine and defund it, as the voucher system is proposing to do.
Healthcare
Every citizen should have access to affordable healthcare as a right, not a privilege. Healthcare should cover preventative care and lower costs for medications. Women’s reproductive decisions should be left to a woman and her doctor. I’ll allow physicians to do their jobs without fear of prosecution. Equality should exist in medical care, regardless of gender, race, age, orientation, or medical need. Mental health treatment should be a part of healthcare and never be classified as illegal, regardless of why a person needs or seeks treatment.
Transparency
I will ensure your voice is heard as your State Representative. I’ll sponsor and support bills that promote transparency in government, as well as make myself available to you through town halls and other meetings. My office will be your office.
Your voice will be heard. I will establish open lines of communication with all of my constituents. Whether or not you decide to vote for me, I will work for you!
Ready to Represent You
From College Corner, to Hamilton, to Fairfield Township, and all of the 47th District, Vanessa is ready to listen and speak up for you! Living in Oxford, she is a neighbor and a friend to all in the 47th District. Unsure of your district? Find your district here.
Works with Everyone
Vanessa’s effective communication skills, as a former police officer and current pastor and consultant, highlight her ability to work with everyone – no matter the party. Partisan politics has no place in her administration. Are you registered to vote? Check your registration.
Experience Matters
Vanessa is a proven leader, serving on the Butler County MHARS Board, is Vice President of the Oxford NAACP, and is a former Oxford Vice Mayor and City Council member. She is experienced and understands the challenges we face on the local, state, and national level.
Endorsements
Blue Ohio • Butler County Democratic Party • Mental Health Now Candidate
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation “Friend of Agriculture” • Ohio AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1184