Keeping good jobs in Athens is not an option, as we have been told as the state workers for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. There was no explanation to support why the free space so generously offered by Athens County Commissioner will not work. Or exploring other options with our current lease.
We have now been told our jobs are moving to Chillicothe instead of Columbus. I am a worker and a resident of Athens County. I’m devastated that my job will move to Columbus or Chillicothe, but I’m outraged that Athens County is not an option. Being one of the poorest counties in Southeast Ohio with few good-paying jobs, why are we off the map for the Ohio governor, Director of ODJFS, and Deputy Director for OCS? Keeping the jobs in Athens means continued support for local merchants, restaurants and gas stations. This is personal to all of us! Current and future job openings are desperately needed in Athens County.
We appreciate the outpouring of support from Senator Lou Gentile, Representative Debbie Phillips, Athens County ODJFS Director Jack Frech and Athens County Commissioners Lenny Eliason, Chris Chmiel and Charles Adkins.
We need your help! Bombard the governor, the Senate, the House of Representatives, with phone calls, emails and letters to say, “Keep jobs in Athens County.” As workers, we are a small voice, but as a community, we can be heard!
We are circulating a petition to keep jobs in Athens County for signatures. The petitions are with individual ODJFS state workers and are also placed in McDonald’s and in C&E Hardware in The Plains. Please stop in and sign the petition!
Tammy Shrieves is a resident of The Plains.
