(Two Republicans will vie for the Republican nomination for Grant District County Commission seat: Tommy Ogden and Tony La Scola. No Democrat has filed for the Commission seat. The County Commission term is six-years. The Commissioners are the County Administrators and the position is part-time with the salary based upon the County’s population. Tony LaScola’s profile will follow Friday)
Hi,
I’m proud to be from Hancock County and happy to have been raised here. Like most of you, I went to school here…….live and work here. The Hancock County I envision is probably the same as your vision……a safe, well-rounded thriving community with a great quality of life and wholesome activities for our youth…..a county where we have abundant career employment opportunities and where we have a welcoming, robust environment for our residents, visitors and potential businesses.
With this vision of our County in mind, I’m running for Hancock County Commissioner and am asking for your support. I’m a businessman from Chester, WV and have been a strong fiscal conservative my whole life. I will make responsible, transparent decisions with our county tax dollars. Those dollars aren’t free….they are the hard earned, valued treasures of our county residents, and I will do all I can to be a good steward and to maximize each and every one of those dollars. I will be accessible to all residents, listening to your concerns and helping in every way I can.
In the short term, there will be some tough fiscal decisions to be made. The Cleveland-Cliffs announcement (-$500,000), along with HB 3450 (-$800,000), will lower our overall County budget. Despite this, a fully and properly funded Sheriff’s Department is a very high priority to me. Equipment, technology and training are all extremely important for the safety of all of our deputies and the residents they protect. Our economic growth and vitality as a county hinge on strong law enforcement to provide safe, family-friendly communities and safe schools.
As a small business owner, I believe I have the experience and qualifications to help our county be the best it can be. My great staff at both businesses would enable me to devote the time necessary to focus on the growth of Hancock County and to work for its’ residents. Thanks to the great staff and their commitment, I’ve already been able to have the honor and privilege to serve on some regional and state level boards and committees forming contacts which I believe I can translate into valuable partnerships and coalitions for the betterment of Hancock County.
I’m excited for this opportunity to serve as commissioner and if elected will dedicate the time, energy, and passion to help fulfill Hancock County’s vast potential. Some of my goals:
- Honest, thoughtful and transparent decision-making
- Continue forming regional and state level alliances for the betterment of Hancock County
- Open lines of communication to departments within the county and our current businesses
- Keep close contact with our State Legislature and legislators ensuring involvement with any decisions directly affecting us
- Engage and recruit new business (expanding our tax base) by promoting all that Hancock County has to offer
- Open lines of communication with all our municipalities
- Make every effort to apply for all grants that are available
I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this letter. I’m running for office I want to be part of the process in helping Hancock County and its residents to achieve the brightest future possible. We all have strengths and, abilities and talents unique to us as people, and I believe that my talents line up very well to perform the duties required of a good county commissioner, I’m asking for your support, and to spread the word to your friends and families. To those who supported me in the past, I want to thank you and ask for your support again, To those who didn’t, I’d like to earn your support in this election important Republican primary election. If you’d like a yard sign to support “Ogden for Commissioner”, I’d be honored…just text me or PM me on Facebook.
Tommy Ogden 304-670-7987
