Background
Sykes, Vernon L. was born on October 2, 1951.
Sykes, Vernon L. was born on October 2, 1951.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, Ohio University, 1974. Master of Science in Social & Applied Economic, Wright State University, 1980. Master of Public Administration, Harvard University, 1986.
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration & Urban Studies, University Akron, 2004.
He also served in the House from 1983 through 2000. Sykes served two terms on Akron City Council before his appointment to the House of Representatives in 1983. He also was on the faculty at Kent State University as an assistant professor of political science.
Sykes first served in the House of Representatives in 1983, and served until 2000, when he faced term limits.
In 2006, Barbara Sykes decided to run for state auditor, and Vernon sought the seat again. While heavily favored, Sykes faced Driving under the influence charges during the primary election campaign, somewhat dampening his chances.
In his first reelection campaign, Sykes ran unopposed. In the 128th General Assembly, Speaker of the House Armond Budish appointed Sykes as Chairman of the House Finance Committee.
With the Democrats again in the minority, Sykes serves on the committees of Finance and Appropriations (as ranking member), Local Government, and State Government and Elections.
"This is a new entity and we"re trying to make sure we have proper oversight in place."
The former chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Sykes has come out against Kasich"s biennium budget plan for 2012–2013, stating that he is especially troubled by the cuts proposed to local government, and plans to privatize several state prisons. He stated that he feels as if he has already been shut out of the budget process.
As ranking member of the House Finance Committee, Sykes has been critical of Governor John Kasich"s privatization measure for the Ohio Department of Development, stating the measure to replace it, JobsOhio, was abdicating too much legislative authority to the executive branch. Sykes is a member of the budget conference committee.
Married Barbara Sykes. Children: Stancy, Emilia.