State Senator Teresa Fedor (right) was in Jackson County Thursday to serve as the keynote speaker for Democratic Jackson County commissioner candidate, Lisa Parker (left).

And she was not afraid to come out firing when she spoke at her campaign fundraiser last Thursday evening at the OSU/County Extension Office near Jackson.

Parker is seeking the January 3rd term commissioner’s seat in November’s General Election and faces the Republican candidate, former County Commissioner Jim Riepenhoff. Also speaking at the event on Parker’s behalf were State Senator Teresa Fedor and one-time Democratic state representative candidate, Nick Rupert of Vinton County.

Parker, who is seeking county office for ‘the first time, was assertive and on the offensive much of the time against Riepenhoff and accused him of ducking her challenges for a debate. She cast herself as the underdog running against a powerful and wealthy opponent. Using the David-and-Goliath analogy, she even pulled a slingshot out of a brown paper bag for full effect. “I’m not afraid of money and billboards, but he must be afraid of me, because he won’t debate me,” Parker declared.

She also claimed Riepenhoff missed 20 percent of the commissioners’ meetings during his previous term from 2003 through 2006. She noted that she had missed only six commissioners’ meetings since she began attending them in September 2007 — and that these absences were due to work-related obligations. *

Riepenhoff’s campaign literature touts “experience, integrity and fiscal responsibility,” but Parker challenged him on each topic.

“Money doesn’t equate to integrity and fiscal responsibility is living within your means,” she stated. “Yes, he’s outspent me, but what is he going to do with your tax dollars”?

As for own platform, Parker says the county needs to be more aggressive in seeking jobs and that local officials failed to secure available grants. She says all parties need to work together to show that “Jackson County is open4or business,” and added that Republican County Commissioner Tom Walton deserved “tons of credit” for being present for her event.

Parker also feels the county should work to expand broadband Internet service and is in favor of establishing a commissioners’ website to better communicate the public. In order to reach out to more people, she thinks it would be a good idea also to conduct meetings from time to time in the evening and in Oak Hill and Wellston. 

Fedor spoke positively of Parker as a person and feels she has ihe dedication and commitment to be an outstanding public servant and would strive to “do the right thing.” They struck up a friendship after they met at a governmental event in Columbus.

“She has been attending every commissioners’ meeting, every single week for more than a year,” Fedor commented. “Now, that’s commitment.”

Fedor concluded, “Lisa just loves people — you can tell. She just wants to help. I am very proud to call her a sister soldier and great friend.” 

In his remarks before introducing Fedor, Rupert noted that Jackson County Democrats have five candfdates bn the ballot this fall, the largest representation in 40 years and that all them are working hard to get elected.

An unscheduled speaker was Jackson City Auditor Jim Humphreys, who was extremely critical of the federal financial bailout plan that has been proposed by President Bush. He was also fearful that race will be a factor in Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama gaining support from white voters.

– original article by Pete Wilson - The Telegram News

Well we are coming down to the wire, and the Festival Season is upon us. Today is Labor Day, Sept. 1.

I have loved meeting my fellow Jackson Countians on this journey. I have made it my mission to LISTEN to what the people of this county have to say.

This campaign should be about ISSUES, not SIGNS. My opponent has yet to debate me. This is a dis-service to the citizens of this county by not having the opportunity to hear and see the differences in our stance on the issues in this county, instead of only seeing the volume of the signs and billboards. I will not be a candidate of over spending, when all of us have learned to budget within our households. Maybe this is telling of how the Commissioner’s office would continue to be run if there is no change in the make up of the board.

Sales tax is down, foreclosures are up, and tax delinquency is up. The answer is not to raise taxes on those who are already paying, the answer in not a trite quip “do more with less” the answer is to make Jackson County attractive to businesses because of what we have, to set up shop here. The answer is:JOBS. If the county infrastructure is where jobs are available again, then sales will rise, home sales rise, you win and the county wins.

We need a meaningful addressing of the plight of our Senior Citizen Centers. Perhaps one of the first “projects” the Port Authority can undertake is to secure grants to build green, and to build to suit a facility in Jackson that is low cost to maintain and operate.

We need to enhance our Veteran Services and have outreach programs at the county level for families of veterans, and veterans themselves. We need training of law enforcement and judicial staff on handling veterans in crisis.

I hope to see you at the Festivals, and hope you will support me in Nov. with your vote. 

 (Lisa speaks with Congressman Space about “Energy” jobs.)

I really enjoyed the events of the past week. (4th of July).  I hope I answered any questions you asked of me, and I am available to answer questions at: lisa@lisajparker.com .

My opponent is nowhere to be found these days, missing all the 4th parades and activities. I have not given up on debating him.

I am looking for volunteers to help with the Fair, and Apple Festival. I will need parade walkers for the Apple Festival in the Wed. nite and Sat. nite parade.

If any of you have a club or event you would like me to attend, please email.  Here is a bit of what we have been doing these past months:

1. Dog Pound inspection.

2. Investigate Kermedia Corp over charging and work.

3. Working with the Senior Citizens on grants and cost issues.

4. Went to Columbus and met with Ohio Dept of Development rep. on proposed “Certification” ideas.

5. Found out about ISIF Grants we , as a county, have not utilized.

6. Inquiring about the number of jobs created by the following “Tobacco” Grant money receipiants:

General Mills

Luigino’s

Apple City Iron

Canter’s Cave Building (through McCarty Construction)

We lost 2008 money.

I am looking to see who tracks that the money is used for intended purpose and if the number of people are hired as proposed in the grant application.

7. I spoke with Zack Space and Gov. Strickland about pursuing contacts for manufacturing of “green” technologies.