Monday Evening at the Brethren Home in Greenville, OH was the site of another candidate introduction Dinner. Hosting the event were the Darke County GOP Women’s Club.
Candidates for County Commissioner
Ed Huffman first addressed the group as a life-long resident of Darke County, and shared his experience both as a Parts and Service manager, and then as a local Realtor. Mr. Huffman is a member of the Greenville Masonic Lodge, was involved in the controversial sign code legislation, and was awarded in 1999 the Realtor of the Year award (a community service award).
Bob Robinson explained that he has lived in Darke County for 7 years, and served the community as the Editor of the Advocate, the Board of Directors of the local Kiwanis Club, a Member of Seniors Pride and as a member of the Public Access TV group. Mr. Robinson considers himself a “friend of business” who will help the commissioners “communicate better”.
Mike Stegall rounds out the trifecta running for commissioner as a life-long resident of Darke County, married to his lovely wife Rosemary who he referred to as the “first lady” should he win the nomination. Mr. Stegall has served the community as township trustee for 5 years and his motto is “if it is broke, fix it”, referring to those often ignored or politically sensitive issues that never get dealt with. In closing Mr. Stegall explained how he would work to prioritize the work that needs done.
Rep. John Boehner’s Report
Ryan from John Boehner’s office shared some notes about what Rep. Boehner has been working on in Washington, and answered a few questions from the crowd.
Candidates for 5th District Ohio Senate
Bill Beagle addressed the group first noting the common themes of the evening, fiscal responsibility, smaller government and good communication. “I want to earn this seat through voters’ confidence and not political appointment” (referring to current 5th District Senator Fred Strahorn) Mr. Beagle shared his confidence in meeting the aforementioned goals and highlighted his education (BA in Finance from Miami University and MBA from Cleveland State) and how his financial management background will help to rein in wasteful spending and put the 5th district “back on track”.
Joe Lemaster, a resident of Darke County, addressed the home-town audience noting his 21 years of exemplary service in the US Navy. Mr. Lemaster considers himself “not a politician” in the traditional sense, highlighting his current career as Pastor of a local church and as someone who won’t work to “protect sacred cows”. He shared with the group that he is interested in phasing out Ohio’s personal income tax and eliminating government handouts. In closing Mr. Lemaster stated he was a true conservative and that he is a member of the NRA and the Heritage Foundation.
Candidates for Court of Appeals
Mike Hall, currently is serving the County in the capacity of Common Pleas Court Judge for 1o years. Mr. Hall considers himself an experienced and practical jurist as he highlighted many of the criminal cases he has adjudicated over the years.
George Reynolds has served Greene County as it’s Chief Magistrate since 2001. He received his JD at George Washington University and as a member of the Ohio Judicial College faculty and curriculum planner. Mr. Reynolds shared that his wealth of experience demonstrates his readiness for this position.
