Pease, Donald J.

Donald James Pease was born in Toledo, Ohio, on September 26, 1931. He received the bachelor of science degree in journalism from Ohio University (Athens, Ohio) in 1953. A Phi Beta Kappa and Fulbright Scholar, Pease earned a Master's degree in government from Ohio University in 1955. After two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army (1955-57), he moved to Oberlin, Ohio to become co-editor-publisher of the weekly newspaper, the Oberlin News-Tribune. During his tenure with the News-Tribune (1957-76) the paper won numerous state and national awards. A liberal Democrat, Pease began his political career serving two terms on the Oberlin City Council (1961-64). In 1964, he ran for and was elected State Senator to the 106th Ohio General Assembly. A reapportionment ruling forced Pease to run again in 1966, resulting in a narrow loss. He returned to the General Assembly in 1968 as a State Representative. Pease distinguished himself as a legislator of honesty and integrity, and developed a reputation as a leading expert on education. In 1974 he moved to the Ohio State Senate before campaigning for U.S. Congress in 1976. In winning election to the 95th Congress [as a member of the House of Representatives], Pease filled the seat vacated by fellow journalist and Oberlin resident Charles A. Mosher (R-13 Ohio, 1960-76). Representing the economically troubled 13th District, Pease focused on trade and unemployment issues as well as human rights and international labor standards. He was named to the powerful Ways and Means Committee in 1981 and became a key player on tax reform and budget legislation. When he announced his retirement he surprised his peers who had described him in a national news publication as one of the "straightest arrows" in Congress. In retirement Pease has taught politics courses at Oberlin College and served on the Amtrak Board of Directors. He is married to the former Jeanne Camille Wendt and has one daughter.