Why I am running
Better Jobs. Stronger Families. Sustained Growth.
While signing petitions for other Lucas Co. Republicans it came to my attention that District 41, the District I call home, had a Democrat running unopposed. I was asked if I wanted to declare my candidacy and be on the ballot. My initial inclination was to decline. I had thought of running for public office, but, I never gave it much thought. Eventually, I said yes. The petitions were printed, filled, and signed. My first two signatures came that day.
Over the next few weeks I spent my weekends and evenings collecting signatures, meeting amazing people, and introducing myself over and over again. While standing in the kitchens, sitting in the living rooms, and talking at the door with early supporters, I discovered my why.
Nearly everyone I met had roots in Northwest Ohio. Those with deeper roots than others remembered a time when our community was strong and thriving, when a person willing to work hard could find a good job, raise a family, and build a future.
However, younger people questioned whether opportunity still exists here. With housing costs rising and better-paying jobs often found elsewhere, many fear they will be forced to leave just to find a future that once existed right here in Northwest Ohio.
This was the reality my parents faced in 1993, and led my Dad to join the United States Navy and us away from Northwest Ohio and all of our family. I grew up in Virginia, attended George Mason University for both my Bachelor’s in Public Administration and Master’s in Public Policy, and began my career in public service.
When given the option to pick where we live, my wife and I chose here. We want our children and grandchildren to be near family and to grow up in this community.
I wish I grew up here, but, I can’t change the past. I can change the future.
I will fight to ensure that my story, the one of leaving Northwest Ohio becomes a story of our past. I will fight to ensure that our kids and grandkids can see a future for themselves right here at home. I will fight to bring manufacturing, skilled labor, and better paying jobs back to Northwest Ohio. I will fight to protect Northwest Ohioans from rising costs. I will ensure that our schools are competitive and robust.
I will fight for us, because we all deserve better than what’s been done.
If you live in District 41 (South Toledo, Maumee, Holland, Springfield Township) please feel free to email any thoughts, questions or ideas to ianforohio@gmail.com
Paid for by Friends of Ian Chamberlin