On Friday, I had the great privilege of voting for Mike O’Brien as the Democratic candidate for Athens County Commissioner. As a longtime resident of Athens County and alumnus of Ohio University, I have been concerned with the ability of our local officials to deal with many of the salient issues our region and university faces.
Mr. O’Brien is a refreshing option for the many of us that are frustrated with so many of the career politicians and the unethical behavior that has possessed our county leadership.
Over the course of the last few months, much attention has been given to the inhumane practice of gassing stray dogs at the Athens County Dog Shelter. Your paper, in particular, has focused much attention to this issue because it has been so important to many students on our campus. Mike’s position on this issue is clear and refreshing.
Recently, Mike stated publicly his desire to end this practice by stating unapologetically, “Athens County must end the inhumane practice of gassing shelter animals. As county commissioner I will work to make the Athens County Animal Shelter a no-kill facility while developing a robust and affordable spay and neuter program.”
Mike has further committed himself to helping to curb not only issues of dog abuse and overpopulation in this county but working hard to help with the issue of abandoned cats. As a former executive member of the Athens County Humane Society, I recognize his leadership on the issue of helping all of our county’s four-legged friends — not just the ones that bark!
As a fourth generation veteran, Mike’s commitment to the well-being of our proud men and women is undeniable. He has advocated an approach to help the Veteran’s Association reach out to those individuals who have served us in all foreign wars, especially those young people returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
We need leadership on these issues, particularly as so many of our local heroes return home; Mike has the relevant and unique experience to understand many of the challenges they may face. As a loving brother of two such veterans, few issues resonate with me like this one. And I challenge anyone who knows a veteran of these wars to find a better candidate than someone who has served in our country’s great military.
Mike has recognized the danger that fracking may hold for the future of our citizens’ health and our environment. He has been an active voice in the chorus to put a moratorium on this practice in our county until a full assessment of all of the impacts can be conducted. His strong leadership on this issue shadows the ambivalence we have received from so many of our current elected officials.
Mr. O’Brien has demonstrated his support for equality and civil rights issues. In fact, I would argue that he is the only candidate who has firmly and publicly endorsed a position that is comparable to The Post and Ohio University’s mission of diversity. When asked about his view on LGBT issues, he did not hesitate in his support, saying, “The County should have pushed for legislation prohibiting discrimination of LGBT people before the city (of Athens). My view on this issue and support for domestic partnership benefits for county employees is clear — yes.”
Still more, Mike has committed to a new kind of politics in our county. Recently, he commented on his blog, “I will work for greater transparency while taking a proactive, advocacy approach to dealing with the challenges the county faces.” Mike O’Brien’s candidacy for Athens County Commissioner not only promises an ethically sound and progressive agenda for the County, but one that is inclusive and salient to issues important to all of us.
I encourage your paper to endorse Mike O’Brien for Athens County Commissioner and furthermore, hope your readers will turn out for early voting in the Democratic Primary to cast their ballot for him. Mike is Athens County’s candidate for Commissioner!
Paul E. Patton resides in Nelsonville.
