EATON — On the Tuesday, March 19, Republican primary ballot, local realtor Kathy Clapp will be one of the candidates vying to run for Preble County Commissioner.

Clapp introduced herself in an announcement from her campaign last week:

“Hello Preble County!” Clapp began. “I live my life through these words my mother taught me, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ My name is Kathy Clapp. I’m a 33-year resident of Preble County, mother of two, multiple award-winning realtor, Preble County CASA advocating for children and owner/operator of local businesses employing over 50 people.

“Economic development, job creation and showing people the American Dream exists are my passions,” she continued. “I’ll be happy to continue to work with our economic development people, the Chamber of Commerce, and employers any way I can to keep jobs here, bring new jobs in, and revitalize open commercial properties. I know we can do this!”

“I’ve advocated for Preble County for almost 25 years with projects at the Preble County Fair, Pork Festival, Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce among others and firmly believe in America First and Preble County First,” Clapp said. “This belief is shared by State Representative Rodney Creech, and Clerk of Courts Brionne Reynolds who have endorsed me.”

“I see Preble County as a blessed asset for all of us to enjoy and treasure and we must use wisdom to keep it that way. Our county budget needs to be reasonable, sustainable, and secure without raising taxes,” Clapp continued. “County spending is up, and transparency is down. Why is the miscellaneous section of the county budget up so much? What is the budget for renovating the recently purchased Junction Village building? How come Preble County was the only county not to receive development funds from a grant last year? There’s a few of many questions needing answers. Rest assured, as your commissioner, I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening.”

“One of the first things I’ll do is get commission meetings streamed live so you may see and hear what’s discussed in real time. It’s 2024, time for sunshine in the commissioners chamber, don’t you think?” her announcement continued. “I plan on getting to know all of you in this journey together. I have never been afraid of hard work. I get up early, show up early, work, and never miss days in my businesses. If I can get out of bed, I go to work as self-employed people have always done,” she said.

“Preble County is special,” she continued continued. “Meeting with you and knowing you is of great importance to me. It isn’t right and is in fact, extremely poor representation to forego county commissioners’ meetings for other personal financial ventures as my opponent has done 44 times with over 700 missed votes for her commission seat but not once with her more lucrative board position. That’s wrong. You don’t call in sick to one job while working a different one. In the private sector, that attendance record gets you fired.

“My focus is on being the listening ear and problem solver for all 41,000 residents of Preble County. You will know where I am, what I’m doing, what I’m thinking and why. You deserve to know these things from those you elect to lead the county,” she concluded.

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.