South Ohio News

Today, Ohio State Rep. Justin Pizzulli (R-Columbus) marked a personal milestone as his Toyota Yaris surpassed 300,000 miles. In a statement, Pizzulli reflected on the significance of the car and its connection to his public service.

Pizzulli explained that he received the vehicle from his father in 2020 after his father lost the ability to drive due to vision problems. "He couldn’t drive anymore because his vision was fading fast. The surgery he needed to save it was canceled because of government shutdowns during COVID. Bureaucrats decided what was 'essential.' My dad didn’t make the list," Pizzulli said.

He described how this experience influenced his decision to enter politics: "That broke something in me. And it lit a fire too."

According to Pizzulli, running for office was motivated by a desire to represent people who feel overlooked by government decisions. "I ran for office not because I ever saw myself as a leader, but because I knew someone had to fight for the people who get overlooked, people like my dad. People like the ones I’ve met at over 15,000 front doors since becoming a State Rep. People who aren’t asking for much, just for someone to listen and to never forget where they come from," he stated.

Pizzulli emphasized that he remains committed to staying connected with constituents in Ohio’s 90th District rather than focusing on Columbus politics. "While some other politicians might enjoy the fast-paced, social atmosphere of Columbus, I count the days until I’m back home in the 90th District, shaking hands at county fairs, answering the questions that matter most to folks, showing up when nobody else will. That’s who I am. That’s what this car represents," he said.

The representative recounted various incidents involving his car and compared its dependability with his approach to public service: "This Yaris has been through it. I’ve hit deer. A mailbox. One time, a rim just fell off. It rattles. It squeaks. But it starts every morning, just like I do." He added humorously about fuel efficiency: "It gets 40 miles per gallon on a good day. And like Lloyd says in 1994 comedy hit Dumb and Dumber: 'I can get 70 MPG on this hog.'"

"I’ve never been flashy. I’m not polished like a Corvette," Pizzulli continued. "But that’s okay. Because flash doesn’t get you through blizzards to a town hall meeting. Flash doesn’t knock on 100 doors in the rain. Flash doesn’t take a beating and keep going."

"But dependability does," he concluded."And so does heart."

Pizzulli also highlighted how both his car maintenance routine and approach as an elected official are based on simplicity and reliability: "All I’ve ever done to this car is change the oil, brakes, rotors, axles, and filter.I keep it running the way I try to keep this office running—simple,honest,and built to last."

"300,000 miles later,I still feel like I'm just getting started," Pizzulli said.