A Statement From Kevin Ritter About His Trip To Columbus

MARIETTA, OH — Today President of the Washington County Board of Commissioners Kevin Ritter was not at the weekly meeting. He was speaking to state leaders in Columbus. He prepared a statement to be read by Commissioner Charlie Schilling.

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[His testimony in Columbus can be viewed here. He starts speaking at the 1:34:02 mark.]

Good morning to everyone and thank you to Commissioner Schilling for reading this short statement.

I am in Columbus this morning testifying before the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee on an issue I care deeply about. I would like to thank my colleagues for supporting me in doing this.

My absence at this morning's public meeting should indicate two things:

First, that I have complete confidence in the decisions my fellow commissioners will make in my absence. We have worked so well together as a board because there exists between us a mutual respect and trust.

Second, I hope my absence indicates that even though someone has been elected to a local office that does not give them the freedom to disengage from state and national issues.

Washington County does not exist in a vacuum and if I have learned anything in office, it is that what happens in Columbus and Washington can have a profound effect on our lives at the local level.

As a result, after I give my testimony, I will be spending the day at the Capitol, visiting key offices to ensure that Columbus understands the needs and priorities of the residents of Washington County.

Thank you again to Commissioners Schilling and Booth.

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