John W. O’Brien, of Monroe Township, announced today his intention to seek the Republican nomination for county commissioner in the May 2 nd primary election. The seat is being vacated by retiring Commissioner D. Ann Baird.

O’Brien, current Miami County Recorder, stated: “I believe I have the experience needed to be an effective commissioner. Since 1996 I have been part of the county’s management team as the Recorder. The management team concept has proven to be an effective tool in Miami County and I am proud to be part of it. All of the elected officials have worked together to give the citizens of Miami County conservative fiscal management while offering the services the public expects. I want to use my experience and continue this approach in the office of Commissioner.”

O’Brien points to his record as a leader locally and statewide. “I want to use my proven record of leadership to guide the county during these complex economic times. I have been an active member of the Ohio Recorders’ Association since taking office in 1996. Since 2003 I have been in the ORA leadership as its co-chairman of the legislative committee. We have worked with Recorders around the state of Ohio and many legislators to promote good county government.”

“I have also been a leader locally through my position as Chairman of the Republican Party. This position has offered me the opportunity to meet and work with government officials from all parts of the country. I want to bring this experience as a leader to the office of Commissioner to promote Miami County and its many assets.” O’Brien was featured on a B.B.C. news broadcast for his leadership in rural American politics during the 2004 presidential election.

O’Brien sites his commitment to Miami County’s way of life. “My family moved to West Milton in 1971. Going to Milton-Union Schools and being raised in Miami County afforded me a safe environment and instilled conservative values. I have been fortunate to raise my family in this great county and in Monroe Township. I’ve owned a business in Piqua and currently work in Troy. I love this county and want to keep its rural character and its commitment to agriculture. I also understand that growth is inevitable. Nevertheless, planned, controlled growth is essential if we are to continue to offer our children a safe place to grow and learn and provide quality employment within our county.”

John W. O’Brien is the Miami County Recorder. He was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in 1976. O’Brien is a 1981 graduate of Milton-Union High School and holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Wright State University. He has been active in the community, serving as a member of the Miami County Republican Central and Executive Committees, serving as Republican Party Chairman since 2000, he is a member of the Miami County Records Commission and Miami County Data Board, Tipp City Boy Scouts, Troop 395 committee member and scout leader. O’Brien also served on the board of Tipp City Jr. Baseball for five years the last two serving as its President, Tipp-Monroe Community Services youth basketball coordinator and coach, lead the Tippecanoe Wrestling Parents Organization, steering committee member of Kids Voting, USA, and was a Board Member of the American Cancer Society. On the State level O’Brien is a member of the Ohio Recorders Association, Co-Chairman of the ORA legislative committee, and current member of the Ohio Auditor of State Advisory Council. O’Brien lives in Monroe Township with his wife Kim and three teenage children whom attend Tipp City Schools. The O’Brien’s are members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipp City.