City auditor announces candidacy

Athens City Auditor Jimmy Stewart announced last night his candidacy for the Republication nomination for the Ohio Statehouse 92nd district representative seat.

Stewart announced his intentions at the Pomeroy Gun Club to demonstrate his stance on Second Amendment rights, because he has many friends in the area and because there was a dinner for Republican candidates, Stewart said.

As auditor, Stewart gained experience in dealing with budgets. Considering Ohio’s budget problems, the state needs someone with such experience, he said.

The government can take an active role in improving local economies by improving the infrastructure. Work on streets and electrical wiring enhances communities' chances of attracting new businesses to their area, Stewart said.

Stewart also said he thinks the government should be involved in education. The $1.4 billion increase for new schools was a step in the right direction, but the state needs to do more.

"No one in our district will be left behind," Stewart said.

So far, Stewart is the only candidate for the Republican nomination. Three local democrats, Dale Tampke, Eric Hasemeier and Jim Pancake have announced their intentions to run for the seat. The deadline to file to run for the seat in the primaries is Feb. 21. The new district comprises Athens, Meigs and Morgan counties and seven townships in Washington County.

– David Laber