I am writing to encourage you to vote for my brother, Charlie Adkins, for Athens county commissioner. Charlie has a wide range of leadership experiences and has spent his life being of service to others. We have major challenges in Athens County, and we need a proven leader.
Charlie retired from Ohio University in 2006, with 30 years of service. During his time, he was elected 10 times to serve as President of AFSCME Local 1699, for a total of 20 years. He negotiated contracts and fought hard against the privatization of public jobs. He was strongly opposed to Senate Bill 5.
Charlie served 32 years on the Richland Volunteer Fire Department and 12 years as Assistant Chief. His experience as a first responder would be especially valuable, as the county prepares for what could be major changes related to oil and gas production. He has dedicated most of his life to public safety.
Charlie currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. Although I knew he had served on this Board for a long time, not until I was doing research for his campaign did I know what a big deal this really is. OPERS is the largest pension fund in Ohio with assets worth $75.7 billion. He not only served on this Board, but he was elected by his peer trustees to be chair for eleven years. He currently serves on the Investment Committee.
Charlie would like to see more collaboration between Ohio University and the county government. He thinks there would be great value in forming partnerships, to work together toward economic development in Athens County. He will be a great advocate for well-paying jobs and buying local.
Charlie knows the challenges that we’re facing, and he has great enthusiasm to take them on. He has proven leadership skills and would be a great advocate for all the citizens of the county.
Please vote Charlie Adkins for Athens County Commissioner on March 6!
Joyice Adkins-Childs resides in Athens.
