John W. “Bud” O’Brien, Miami County Recorder and candidate for the County Commission seat being vacated by the retirement of Ann Baird announced today that Arthur D. “Ozzie” Haddad, of Troy, and Clifford Alexander, of Piqua, will serve as his general election campaign co-chairmen.

Said O’Brien, “I am thrilled that these two icons of the community have agreed to chair my campaign. They are men of character, vision and integrity who have accomplished a great deal for their communities. It is in their tradition of excellence that I hope to serve as County Commissioner.”

Haddad, who previously served two terms as County Commissioner said that he worked closely with O’Brien and believes that he is clearly the best choice for Commissioner. “We’ve established a long history of cooperation between county elected officials and Bud was always an effective member of our management team,” said Haddad. Haddad also noted O’Brien’s history of fiscal restraint as a crucial qualification for a County Commissioner. “In these taxing economic times, it is imperative that we wring the most out of every tax dollar,” said Haddad. “Bud has proven over the years to be one of our most fiscally responsible elected office holders.”

Alexander, an industrialist and philanthropist, said that he believes that O’Brien’s county wide perspective will make him the most effective commission candidate. “Bud is truly committed to Miami County…all of it. He brings no parochial agenda to the job, only the desire to do that which is best for all of Miami County. Most importantly he shares our values and is absolutely committed to good county government.”

O’Brien has served as recorder since 1996, is a graduate of Wright State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, and an Eagle Scout. He has been active as a scout leader, has served on the board of Tipp City Junior Baseball as a member and president, has served as the Tipp-Monroe Community Services youth basketball coordinator and coach, has lead the Tippecanoe Wrestling Parents Organization, has served on the steering committee of Kids Voting, USA and was a Board Member of the American Cancer Society.

He is a member of the Ohio Recorders Association, Co-Chairman of the ORA legislative Committee and member of the Ohio Auditor of State Advisory Council. O’Brien lives in Monroe Township with his wife Kim and three teenage children who attend Tipp City Schools. The O’Briens are members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipp City.