Candidacies announced

Dave Kissinger called in to WSPD this morning to announce that he is a candidate. Unfortunately, I missed the office he is seeking and, in visiting his website, Citizens 4 Kissinger, I couldn't find it. (Note to new candidates: put the office you're seeking front and center on your website or at least list it in your bio!)

UPDATE: As of 9 p.m., Kissinger's Facebook page had been updated to show he is running for State Representative in District 46. However, the link to his website that is provided on the FB page comes up with a generic GoDaddy page.



I also heard that Toledo City Councilman George Sarantou is considering whether or not to seek the position of Lucas County Recorder. The incumbent, Jeanine Perry, is retiring.

Both Wood County Commissioner Tim Brown and current Rep. Barbara Sears have officially announced their candidacies for the Ohio House of Representatives; Brown for District 3 and Sears for District 47. Their press releases are below.

From Tim Brown:

This morning I announced my candidacy for State Representative and I want to share the exciting news with you.

Next year the citizens of Wood County will elect a new voice to represent us in Ohio’s Statehouse. In such a challenging economy, I believe it is critical that we find common ground for moving Ohio’s economy forward. Job creation and fiscal responsibility are hallmarks of my work as your County Commissioner and I look forward to taking that message and record of success to Wood County’s voters and ultimately to Ohio’s Statehouse.

I believe the experience you have allowed me in serving as your Commissioner will enable me to make a difference in Columbus and I hope you will agree. Over the years I have been blessed with a solid working relationship with our courthouse elected officials, as well as our local council members, mayors, township officials, and citizens who have been willing to make suggestions and be part of our efforts to keep our county a great place to live, work, obtain an education and raise a family.

Working as a team in Wood County we have been successful in fostering job growth for our citizens. During this difficult economy, the Wood County Hospital unveiled a 42 million dollar expansion which led to the hiring of additional healthcare professionals – further diversifying our economy. CSX opened its largest intermodal rail facility in America, a 175 million dollar investment in Wood County’s economy hiring over 200 workers. First Solar completed a 135 million dollar plant expansion and hired over 100 new employees. It has been my privilege to work with each of these businesses to create new jobs for our citizens. Priority one in Columbus will be to turn around Ohio’s economy, attract new jobs and keep the lid on expensive new government, and you deserve nothing less than an EXPERIENCED voice in Columbus leading the way.

Should you have any comments or suggestions for me throughout the year, I would very much welcome the opportunity to hear from you and to have your support. Following is my home telephone number and additional ways in which you can contact me.

With sincere best wishes for the approaching Holiday Season,


Tim W. Brown
CitizensforBrown.com – web site
TimBrownWoodCo – Twitter

From Barbara Sears:

MONCLOVA, Ohio—State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) today officially announced her candidacy for state representative of the 47th House District, which will include western Lucas County and portions of Fulton County.

“I would be honored and humbled to have the opportunity to return to Columbus during the 130th General Assembly and continue my work in the People’s House,” Sears said.

A small business owner and former member of Sylvania City Council, Sears has dedicated her efforts in Columbus to making Ohio’s government more conducive to job creation and economic growth. For example, she sponsored House Bill 10 to offer a refundable tax credit for the remediation of contaminated sites and the return of such sites to productive use. She also supported the creation of the Common Sense Initiative, a small business rule review procedure intended to examine all regulations to ensure that they do not strangle business’ success.

Additionally, following the passage of Obamacare in Washington, she sponsored the Healthcare Freedom Act in the House to preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose their health care and health care coverage. Similar language in the amendment became State Issue 3 this past November, which was a constitutional amendment supported overwhelmingly by Ohioans that prohibits certain health care mandates in Ohio.

“We certainly have accomplished a lot during this first year of the General Assembly, but there is still much more to be done,” Sears said. “Serving as state representative has been both a challenge and a blessing, and I look forward to tackling our state’s tough issues and getting us back on the right track.”

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