One of my first interactions with Chris Chmiel was a few winters ago, on the coldest night of the year. Although Chris barely knew me and the temperature was below zero with the wind chill, Chris helped to pull my truck out of a ditch. I had not asked for his help, but Chris simply saw something needed doing and jumped in to help. This story is a window into the nature of the man himself: his integrity, his selfless concern for others, and his willingness to work hard, even when the circumstances are difficult.
Chris is committed to protecting our air, water and roads for the benefit of all citizens. He is also concerned about building tensions between anti-“fracking” activists, and those citizens who see fracking as financially advantageous for our region. He realizes that animosity will serve no one.
Democracy does not function when folks stand with arms crossed in disagreement. Good government involves being able to stand by your principles while at the same time finding common ground with others so that you can work together to make positive change. Chris Chmiel's comments on fracking demonstrate his understanding of this important principle. Please do not mistake his willingness to listen carefully to all sides for a lack of passion or commitment on this issue. I know that he will use this same constructive, common sense approach whether he is working to increase recycling rates and resolve our solid waste woes, or is creating opportunities for local businesses to grow and stimulate our local economy.
Chris has extensive experience participating in our democracy at the local and state levels. He has attended numerous meetings, spoken at events, signed petitions and resolutions, and written letters to elected officials. Chris worked side by side with representative Jimmy Stewart over a period of several years to successfully pass legislation making the paw paw the Ohio native fruit, giving him an inside understanding of the legislative process that few outsiders have.
It is true that Chris has never run for political office before. He is not invested in building a political career but in building a stronger Athens County. I believe his ideas, his competence and his drive to get things done will be a breath of fresh air to our county commission.
Please consider a vote for Chris Chmiel for county commissioner.
Grace Hall resides in New Marshfield.
