Dear Editor

In early June, I had the opportunity to meet Josh O’Farrell, the young man selected to replace Representative Allen Sayre as the State Representative for the 96th District. I was immediately impressed by Josh and his story.

Josh was born and raised in New Philadelphia the son of a Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge and high school secretary. He graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 2000 and then pursued his education at the University of Notre Dame and Wake Forest University School of Law. Though his education took him away from this area, Josh always intended to return, for Josh told me that this area has always been and will forever be his home.

Josh returned to this area with his wife Christin, and their son Liam at a time when so many of our young people have been forced to leave because the opportunities they seek simply do not exist here. Josh could have gone anywhere, but he chose to return to the valley to help get this area going in the right direction. Josh has the intelligence, work ethic, and dedication to be the type of leader this area not only needs, but deserves.

A lot of people have come into my office during my tenure as mayor. Very few have impressed me the way Josh did. He truly cares about this area. He cares about hard working men and women-the middle and working class, or as Josh calls them, “backbone of our society.” Josh understands that revitalizing the economy of this region is imperative and that it is a difficult undertaking.

But I know that no one will work harder to do exactly that than Josh O’Farrell. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to vote for Josh O’Farrell on Nov. 2 for State Representative for the 96th District.

He is an energetic individual, willing to help Belmont County share “On An Equal Basis” with the rest of the State of Ohio.

It will be of great importance to our County having a Representative who truly is dedicated to address our concerns.

We ask your support and cast your vote for Josh O’Farrell on November 2nd for our Representative for the 96th District.

Bob Vincenzo

St.?Clairsville Mayor