Tiffin native makes gubernatorial bid

TIFFIN — Tiffin native Casey Putsch has thrown his hat in the ring to be Ohio's next governor. Putsch said he is "a very worthwhile alternative" for those who oppose Republican gubernatorial and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who announced his candidacy early this year. After watching the race between Ramaswamy and Democratic candidate Amy Acton, Putsch said, "I couldn't take it anymore." "The pain of inaction outweighed the pain of action," he said. Built on a platform of conservative values rooted in Ohio investment, Putsch, an automotive entrepreneur, said he is a "true Ohioan" whose work and philanthropy have had a direct impact on bettering the state. "Vivek hasn't done anything for Ohio or its people," he said. Putsch grew up in Seneca County, graduating from Tiffin Columbian High School in 1999. He said his family operated the former Seneca Hills Golf Course and "worked very hard to make a living." Being raised in Tiffin, he said, gave him a front-seat view of "the profound impact government choices have on people," watching local companies suffer from "intrusive government policies and oversight." Putsch attended Ohio State University and is the founder of both Putsch Racing and the nonprofit Genius Garage, which mentors young adults by teaching them practical engineering, car building and team racing skills. He also is the creator of the diesel 104 MPG Omega Car, which, when tested, got 100 miles per gallon and had a lower carbon footprint than electric vehicles, he said. Putsch and the Omega Car were featured on a Tucker Carlson podcast, he said, and his accomplishments resulted in a President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyond business ownership and operating a nonprofit, Putsch said entering the gubernatorial race was the result of discerning, "How can I best make a better world for young people? "I've seen how education and business is broken," he said, "and that pain sticks with you." If elected, he said, his focus as governor will be to protect the American dream in Ohio and propose reforms that will strengthen "efforts to create and build." Putsch noted data centers and H1B Visas as two major issues he believes are significantly detrimental to Ohioans. Data centers, he said, have "slipped into Ohio through non-disclosure agreements and government deals," and "are a net loss" to the state. The electricity demands of those centers increase utility bills for homeowners and surrounding businesses, and raise environmental concerns, he said. "Data centers take advantage of our state, land, energy and environment" and are largely unregulated, Putsch said. A firm understanding of data centers and the needs of communities is needed moving forward, he said. Ohioans also need to be aware of the negative impact of the H1B Visa program, Putsch said, which he believes is "destroying the job market for young Ohioans." H1B Visas "only help big corporations," he said. Putsch stressed his support for the First and Second amendments, and said he is a strong advocate for military veterans. "I'm disappointed with the lack of concern for veterans," he said. "Veterans need to be able to use their talent and minds and hearts" and have a tangible route to apply their skills, he said. The large number of veterans who commit suicide each year, he said, is proof that more needs to be done for those who have served the country. As his campaign takes shape, Putsch said he will use his experience with social media to promote his message and gain name recognition, taking time to be present, speak and listen. He also will be touring Ohio and speaking at a number of events. "I want to be the alternative that people want to see," he said. As for his ties to Tiffin, Putsch said, "I love the town and the people and it will always be home." Putsch currently resides with his family in Perrysburg.