The author argues that Amy Acton has been unfairly maligned during the governor's race and urges voters to judge her by her record. As Ohio's former health director, Acton made decisive public-health choices during the early COVID-19 crisis that helped save lives. Faced with relentless misinformation and an outspent campaign, she has declined debates to avoid providing a platform for falsehoods. Voters should focus on her experience, values and leadership when choosing a governor.
Don't Buy the Smears About Amy Acton: A Case for Fair Evaluation
Dr. Amy Acton, center, director of the Ohio Department of Health, answers a question during a press conference regarding the state's testing protocol and preparedness for COVID-19, or Coronavirus, on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. The state is currently awaiting results on five Ohioans being tested for Coronavirus, but there are no confirmed cases yet.
During this campaign season a steady stream of harsh personal attacks has targeted Ohio's Democratic nominee for governor, Amy Acton. Critics have hurled extreme labels and repeated misleading claims about her character and record. Those attacks reduce a complex public servant to a caricature — and they deserve scrutiny.
What the Attacks Say—and Why They Mislead
Some pundits and ads have described Acton in stark, demeaning terms. Rather than repeating those charges, it's important to assess the facts: her record as Ohio's director of health, her decisions during the early COVID-19 response, and her reasons for avoiding debates amid a climate of misinformation.
Vivek Ramaswamy speaks in Stark County in 2025; Amy Acton addresses a group at Ohio State in 2025. Kevin Whitlock/Massillon Independent; Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch
Acton's Record as Ohio's Health Director
Decisive public-health leadership: Early in the pandemic, Ohio implemented protective measures—school and business closures, social-distancing guidance, and strong public-health messaging—that placed the state among the more proactive in the nation. Acton's guidance to Gov. Mike DeWine emphasized one clear priority: save lives.
Science over spectacle: Acton did not ignore data, peddle unproven cures, or promise that the virus would disappear. She relied on evidence and public-health best practices even as many families suffered loss.
Tom Romano
Why She Declined Debates
Acton has declined to participate in debates this cycle. While debates can be valuable for voters, she and her team have expressed concern that a staged forum could be used to amplify falsehoods rather than foster substantive discussion. Given the torrent of misinformation aimed at her campaign, her caution is understandable.
Context: Spending, Strategy and Experience
The Acton–Pepper ticket faces a sizable spending gap — widely reported at roughly four-to-one — and sustained negative advertising. Acton’s educational background is rooted in Ohio: degrees from Youngstown State University, Northeast Ohio Medical University, and The Ohio State University. Her career blends clinical experience with public-service leadership.
What Voters Should Consider
Political campaigns frequently traffic in exaggeration. Voters deserve to weigh record, leadership and policy rather than lurid personal attacks. If you value integrity, sound public-health judgment, and steady leadership under pressure, those qualities are central to the choice this election presents.
"Don't accept caricatures—examine the record."
Tom Romano
Oxford, Ohio
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