Strickland stops by Athens

by Matt Hutton
Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Lucasville, introduced Ric Wasserman as the democratic candidate for county auditor Friday at the Athens County Courthouse.

Strickland had nothing but praise and respect for Wasserman.

One of the only men I’d drive 12 hours just to spend 30 minutes with,” Strickland said.

Strickland said “I know Ric (Wasserman) is going to be the candidate that will break the Republican stranglehold on this position.”

Wasserman, a 1987 Ohio University graduate, has been the owner of the Pigskin Sports Bar and Grill, 38 North Court Street, since 1997. He previously owned World’s Best Bagels, 31 North Court Street, from 1992 to 1999 and Wasserman Rentals from 1993 to 2001. His other professional experience includes the Director of Point-of-Sale and Telecommunications of PHARMHOU$E, from 1988 to 1991.

“Effective oversight of the county’s finances is essential in an environment where money is so tight and so much is at stake,” Wasserman said.

The closer a level of government is to the people the more important it is to do it well, he said.

Wasserman presently volunteers as a Board Member and Lending Committee Chair for Appalachian Development Federal Credit Union, a committee co-chair for the OU Coalition to Advocate Responsible Drinking Decisions, and as a member of the Athens Noon Rotary Club. He previously volunteered with the Community Food Initiatives and Planned Parenthood of Southeast Ohio.

He is confident in his ability to take a larger role in local democracy. He believes the handling of public money is a great trust.