Chamber Issues Endorsements

In March of this year, the Board of Directors of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce added a new level of action to its government affairs responsibilities: Candidate endorsements. According to the Chamber’s Strategic Plan, they will “Educate our members on the positions/policies of candidates running for office by using candidate questionnaires; hosting Candidate’s Night; hosting Local Leaders Luncheons and issuing candidate endorsements.”

In keeping with that direction, the Board of Directors of the Chamber completed its endorsement process at its September meeting to identify, promote and elect business friendly candidates by endorsing the following candidates running for election on the November 3, 2009 ballot:

Richard J. Waugh for Mayor, City of Heath

Jeff Rath for Newark City Council, 3rd Ward

Brian A. Johnson for Heath City Council, 1st Ward


The endorsement decisions were based on the outcome of candidate surveys and personal interviews. The completed surveys can be viewed at www.lickingcountychamber.com beginning October 1. Please note, these candidates approached the Chamber seeking our endorsement. The focus of the survey and interviews, and the endorsements were based solely on the candidates' pro-business positions and their positions being consistent with the Chamber's mission of encouraging economic development in the area.

In addition, the Board also endorsed the C-TEC 1 mill Operating Property Tax Levy which will also appear on the November 3rd ballot. “We are fortunate to have C-TEC in our community. They are not only training the next generation of workers, they also help to re-train those who may need to update their skills in this ever-changing environment”, said Cheri Hottinger, President of the Chamber.