You have heard why I think I should be your commissioner, and I’ve gotten a tremendous amount of support from many Darke Countians. Often, they have given me their reasons why I should be sworn in next January. How about you? Please let me know why you would vote for me. Thank you for your support.
The reason Bob Robinson would be a good commissioner is because he gets it. He had me at “I’m a fiscal conservative”. A lot of politicians say this, but I’ve read his stuff long enough to know that he gets it. What he gets is simple economics, they teach it your first year in college. It’s pretty simple and it goes like this, “Businesses create wealth”. It also goes like this, “Without the money that businesses create…there is no government revenue….there are no entitlement programs…there are no non-profit funds….and there is no paycheck for anyone to buy anything.
People choose to buy from a business, but they don’t choose to pay taxes. This is why businesses have to be efficient and governments don’t. The profit motive drives business, which funds government, and Bob gets this. Government’s role is to get out of a business person’s way so they can provide something that a customer wants. This creates jobs, which creates spending, which creates tax revenue, which provides needed public services. Limited government is the goal, which allows for lower taxes. Without the businesses, nobody has anything….and Bob gets this.
Darke County’s unemployment rate is roughly 13%, so with people who have quit looking you could estimate 20 percent. Ohio’s unemployment money is gone, so we’re borrowing from Washington, which is recording record deficits every month, and the checks are being signed by the Chinese. The textbooks teach students that taxes and regulation disincentives business, so why does Ohio do this? We’ve watched manufacturers move to Indiana so they can keep more of their profits with lower taxes. Some call these companies greedy, but you know what happens? Indiana balances their budget, tax revenues increase, local businesses sell stuff to those employees, and wealth is created. Just like the textbook teaches. The best regulation for business is that if they hurt or annoy their customers, they go bankrupt. And barring a government bailout, this self-regulation works great. We don’t need a bureaucrat here, Columbus or Washington telling a risk-taking business owner what they should do, and Bob gets that.
I’ve known Bob for seven years and he’s been consistent. He believes in helping businesses, knows how hard we work to pay taxes, understands Darke County’s challenges, and he’s a man of character. I’d trust Bob with the keys to my house while on vacation, I’d trust him with my checkbook, and he’s got my vote.
Jana Kolling
Mad? You betcha!
That’s a TEA Party demonstration sigh my wife and I saw on T.V. that fits both nationally and locally. Not only are politicians making decisions against the will of the people nationally, we have discovered, that at
least some are doing exactly the same thing locally.
There exist in Darke County a” Good Old Boys Club”. Some of the people, who are members, are running for local office at this time. These” politicians” are comfortable with making decisions that benefit a select few, rather than Darke County as a whole.They want to impress the voter with their keen interest in business growth and development in Darke County, and this may well be the case, and is certainly a good thing. But, when certain types of businesses are located in residential areas, are ugly to behold, and degrade the properties around them; this is not a good thing.
Understand that deteriorating neighborhoods due to unsightly businesses implanted within them, will stifle real growth and development in Darke County. These businesses need to go, or relocate in non- residential areas where they should legally be in the first place, and where property values will not be affected. The politicians who are irresponsible and uninterested in property values plummeting also need to go.
This time before voting, check the voting records of these politicians carefully .Show them that the yard signs which they display, in the hope that you will remember their names without ever checking them out will work against them. Do by all means remember their names and do check them out on the internet.
In short, do not vote blindly. What we do not want in Darke County is a continuation of the “Good Old Boys Club “.
What we do want and do need, are people who are fresh and have a broader vision for the future of Darke County, then the ones who are members of the Club, and who need to be removed or not voted in at all.
Yes, “We the People “who have been affected by their unwise and unfair decisions are “Mad, You Betcha”!
Therefore, my wife and I are endorsing Bob Robinson for Darke County Commissioner. We have checked him out also at http://www.robinsonforcommisioner.com and like what we have learned about him, and we believe you will too.
Chris and Carol Zuccaro
Dear Editor:
There are few people I could support in their pursuit of public office as enthusiastically as Bob Robinson. In tough economic times, our communities need leaders committed to principles of fiscal conservatism. Bob’s the only candidate for Darke County Commissioner that can truly claim that title.
Over the years, we’ve seen Bob communicate a deep love for the traditions and potential of Darke County. His ideas are based on life experience, and they’re ideas that can work because Bob sees the county for the gem it is – not as something to recreate, but something to revive . His combination approach of boosting tourism, lowering tax and debt burdens, and creating a welcoming environment for farmers, businesses and visitors alike gives us hope for a brighter future.
Most notably, Bob’s a man of character, with a steadfast, but compassionate spirit. His door has always been open, and he’s proven time and again that it’ll stay that way. I’d be proud to follow Bob Robinson’s leadership, and I encourge you to cast your vote for him in next Tuesday’s election.
Diana Fessler
Former State Representative, 79th District
VOTE FOR BOB ROBINSON
First I would encourage everyone to vote, this is a privilege we may not enjoy for long if we don’t use it and in the process make wise choices. We need to do our homework and know the platform of each candidate.
My letter is in support of Bob Robinson.for Darke County Commissioner. Bob and I have served together on many community committees over the past few years. He is a man who listens and acts in the best interest of everyone concerned. Bob is a never tiring mentor of young people, a voice for the senior citizens of our community who is also ready to serve everyone in between.
I read his editorial pages for many years before he became my editor at the Daily
Advocate. He was never afraid to address issues or express his opinion in his Verities and Balderdash articles or his opinion column. He has a great respect for what our constitution and laws stand for and has the business experience to manage Darke County finances as well as the good judgement to reign in when things are questionable and to weigh all sides of an issue before reaching a conclusion. Bob pursues everything he does with a passion and Darke County is his passion.
Instead of giving you more of my views I will encourage you to log onto his web site
robinsonforcomissioner.com, read for yourself, and I believe you will be convinced, as I am, that Bob Robinson is the best candidate for Darke County Commissioner.
Sally Amspaugh
Union City, Ohio
Robinson for Commissioner – End “done deal” Politics
As editor of the Daily Advocate, Bob Robinson had the courage to publish our article entitled “Cajole Deceive, and Intimidate “with full knowledge that the politicians of both parties and vested community leaders were fully behind the Carbon Capture Sequestration (CCS) boondoggle. In so doing he was the first prominent member of the community to oppose CCS in Greenville. In the course of his professional work, he has gained a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the role of the many diverse components of our community. Bob has proven himself capable of standing up to “done deals”. As a career journalist with AP and other awards, he will be bring transparency to issues that otherwise would remain opaque. Let Bob represent “your interests” in government as he did in the press. Vote for Bob Robinson!!
Charles E. Reier MD
Rebecca A. Reier
I have known Bob Robinson for only a few years but have always found him to be a man of great integrity. I first met Bob while I was attempting to write my memoirs. Originally, the book was intended to be a quiet affair, strictly for family. But through Bob’s encouragement and guidance, I went on to publish my first nonfiction work. He was instrumental in digitizing and restoring family photos in the book as well as preparing the volume for publication.
Bob is not only a traditional conservative in his political beliefs but is dedicated to the success of our small county. As a candidate for County Commissioner, he has specific goals for implementing and improving Darke County. He cares deeply for the welfare of the people he will represent in this position and is a man of his word. You can count on Bob achieving the goals he has set for himself and the citizens he will represent.
I urge everyone to consider voting for Bob Robinson for Darke County Commissioner. I know I certainly will.
Nancy Rush
I want to tell you about two very good candidates in the coming Primary election, May 3rd.
First is BOB ROBINSON who is running for County Commissioner. If you have been following his campaign, he tells it like it is. When asked questions he does not beat around the bush, he answers them. If you disagree with his assessment he listens to your view. He appreciates hearing from people.
Unlike one of his opponents, BOB is opposed to the Court House addition since there are more important things such as getting jobs for the County so people can keep their homes and have food on their tables. Unlike one of his opponents BOB does not want to add new taxes. He feels like money can be brought into this County by improving the job market. Bob has been attending the Commissioners meetings for several years, because he is interested in what happens here. When elected he will know what is going on in that office and can step right into Terry’s position. He is willing and ready to represent you. And he wants to hear from you on what you would like for your County. He will be your mouthpiece.
One of Bob’s opponents is a Township Trustee. He is doing a fine job in that position. Being a Trustee and being a Commissioner are two very different entities. He has made no attempt to sit in on Commissioner meetings. This Trustee must think his dealings with the Commissioners is all he needs to know about that office, but there is much more he does NOT know.
Congressman John Boehner has competition this year in the Primary. One of the men running against him is from Preble County. I think it is important for you to know that this man admittedly said he voted for O’bama in the last Presidential election. Now he thinks he has the knowledge to run against Congressman Boehner.
Be careful who you vote for. IT DOES MATTER.
Sincerely,
Kay Seiler
In the Republican race for County Commissioner in the May Primary there is one individual who stands out in regards to having a good agricultural background. Candidate Bob Robinson early on was exposed to farming by spending time on both his grandparents’ farms. As a youth Bob was taught a strong work ethic on these farms first at his mother’s parents farm and then his father’s parents farm, both in rural Missouri. Bob has really come up to speed the past few months in regards to his understanding of key agricultural issues that could affect our county. He is an active member of the Darke County Farmers Union and has also reviewed material from the Darke County Farm Bureau, NFO and Grange.
Since we still have the #1 agricultural county in Ohio (well if not #1 at least #2 sometimes) then Bob’s background in agriculture should well suit him for public office. Bob, like a thrifty farmer, is also very tough minded on income and expenses and this will be very useful to him as a County Commissioner.
Sincerely,
Ted Finnarn, Secretary-Treasurer
Darke County Farmers Union
421 Public Square
Greenville, Ohio 45331
Although I (as a not-yet-citizen) am not allowed to vote (ACORN hasn’t asked me yet, maybe because I’m in the US legally) I would like to give my 2 cents worth for the primary election of the Darke County Commissioner.
Bob Robinson is the only candidate I know in person and well enough to write about his personality. I know that he is an honest and trustworthy person, and in the issues I agree with him on a very high percentage (you’ll rarely find somebody you can agree with all the time – unless you run yourself) and I’m certain that he will handle the county’s (= the people’s) money properly. I often hear about surplus. A surplus is nice, but it must not automatically be an indication of having managed the funds in the best way, especially if the money was saved by not doing necessary maintenance (i.e. buildings, machinery, etc.). This savings might cause much more expenses at the end of the day – even a total loss.
I’m pretty sure, that on the County level all candidates will have the best in mind for the County and the citizens (which is different to some politicians on higher and highest levels, who – as we all had to learn – don’t have the best in mind for the Country and its citizens), but Bob is the best candidate for the office. Although a new face in politics, he has a political background as a “watchdog” (i.e. he comes from the side of we, the people), has a business background and stands for traditional conservative values, including the handling of the taxpayer’s money – the ideal combination! If I would be allowed to vote, Bob would have my vote!
Kurt J Fritsch
I’m a 26-year-old excited conservative! When Bob Robinson finally – it’s about time, after all – cast his hat into the political ring, you might have heard my cheers all the way from New England. Yes, Bob’s fan base is stretching across the nation.
Regrettably, I cannot vote for Bob next Tuesday but, as a native of the area, I know firsthand why he merits our support.
A few years ago, as a trembling young teen, I walked into his editorial office looking for a job and, along the way, discovered an exceptional leader. As the days unfolded, I watched Bob give both friends and foes a warm welcome, giving all a fair shake. I don’t recall ever seeing his door shut – ever. I’ve since learned that’s typical of his personality, and I believe that’s why his ideas are so good. He’s heard the issues, lived the issues, and can address them with compassion, insight and a lifetime of experience.
I know that if Bob Robinson is elected, the next time I return – maybe leading that big tour bus from New England – I will still find the same exceptional leader, but also a revitalized Darke County. However, be forewarned; if you do not send him to your county commission, I will do my best to steal him away to my part of the country. Lord knows we could use more of him!
Olivia Braaten
Woodstock, Connecticut
In the upcoming primary election there are a lot of candidates out there, local, state, and national. However, local elections, which can have most immediate effects on your community, are often overlooked. This year in the county elections there is an abundance of people running for the county commissioner seat to be left vacant by Terry Haworth. Whether you vote or not one of these candidates will become our new commissioner.
Even though your voice sometimes seems as if it lost in the masses, your vote is still important. Although your vote may be only one, it only takes one vote to make a difference. Wars are won by just one battle, races are won by inches, and elections are decided by only a few votes.
I know that my vote will be counted and I plan to vote for Bob Robinson for county commissioner. I believe that one of the most important things to look for in a candidate is trust, a trait that is often lost on Washington career politicians. Howbeit, this is a trait I have found in Bob Robinson. I met Bob a couple years ago through the Teen Advocates, and since then I have come to call him my friend. Now although I know most of the candidates for commissioner, Republicans and Democrats, are trustworthy, I know, trust, and respect Bob even if I don’t always agree with him. I hope that you will join me in voting for Bob Robinson for County Commissioner.
Bob Robinson is an excellent candidate for the office of Darke County Commissioner. I am sure he will fulfill his responsibilities with fairness and most assuredly, with consistency. He doesn’t disparage other persons, no matter how deserving of it they might be. He lets his writings speak for himself. They do not vary from any point in time, again very consistent. I have always thought that Bob thinks a topic through thoroughly before voicing his opinion. This, I think is a result of successfully fulfilling the position of editor of our local newspaper. When he told me he was going to run for Commissioner, then asked me to serve as his treasurer, I simply could not say no to such a stalwart conservative.
Alan W. Greiner, Greenville
Bob has the same conservative political concerns that I have. We need him in county government… he was the editor of the local newspaper and has good conservative ideas. I read his book; it’s all there. We grew up in the same way; his approach applies to me. That’s why I am voting for him. We need him.
Don Dietrich, Lifetime Darke County resident, former Commander V.F.W.
I’m quite skeptical of politicians these days, it can be hard to understand their beliefs on the issues. Not so with Bob Robinson. Since the time I’ve met him, he has made his conservative values well known. I believe he will bring responsibility to Greenville.
Jachin Harder, Greenville
I have found Bob to be forthright and a listener. You will know where you stand with Bob Robinson. I expect him to carry this trait forward with him as an elected official.
In my dealings with Bob, he was alway fair.
Agree or disagree with him, I respect Bob for his willingness to not only comment (when he was editor of the Daily Advocate) but also step forward as a candidate for Darke County Commissioner to make a difference.
Your column last October telling the GOP that we will put them back in office, but not to forget their conservative values was your best letter yet. I will always provide comments… anyone true to fiscal responsibility and the Constitution has my support.
Dave Meyer, Greenville
I will be voting for Bob for many reasons. Just a few of them are that he listens more than he talks and doesn’t just accept what he is told. He takes the time to research an issue and makes his decisions based on logic and common sense. He looks upon all he will represent as an equal; is approachable and can be contacted easily. He does his best each day to accomplish what he sets out to do, and when he is wrong he will say so.
He will take a stand on a difficult situation without flinching. I believe he is truly a friend to the people of Darke County and would be the most strident and outspoken commissioner this county has seen in a long, long time.
Dan Burchett, Greenville
Ever since I read your columns in the Advocate, you came across as an honest person. We need more honest politicians. I truly enjoy your weekly opinion column. It shows so much warmth and intelligence. I certainly hope you become one of the Darke County Commissioners. You have my vote!
I’ve talked to you on a few occasions and it was noticeably apparent that you are a good listener and follow up on issues. In a press release pertaining to the Greenville School Levy, one of your comments verified (to me) that you investigated. I also watched you during the Greenville Council Meeting when you introduced yourself. It was brought to your attention that, “Politic’ing’ was not permitted in the meeting” and you gracefully apologized and stepped down. I like the idea of pushing the envelope, when in doubt, and testing the waters, instead of going with the flow.
Your approach and reasoned stance on issues is one of the reasons I support your candidacy. For instance, your comments on the Greenville Schools levy. I am a supporter of the school as a driver of economic development and a key cog in our community.
Ohio’s system of school funding is fundamentally flawed and has been for many years. However, Greenville must do what it can in the system in which we operate. As I understand it, the flawed system includes the building codes and conditions for renovation vs new construction. I recall your point being raised years ago regarding renovation. The question then was whether or not the cost was greater than new construction. That does need reviewed with the public.
Thank you for your thoughts and comments. We need you in the Commissioners Office.
Greenville Businessman
Any candidate who makes an effort to reach out and get to know me personally, engages me; I know that candidate will do the same for ALL his constituency. I know that candidate will LISTEN, CONSIDER, and then ACT after careful deliberation of all ideas put forth… with the WILL of his constituency a major consideration.
Any candidate who conducts themselves in this manner gains my TRUST. This is why Bob Robinson has my vote for county commissioner.
Brenda, Darke County
“I know Bob personally and he asked for my vote a year ago… he’s honest and he always gives 100 percent.”
Darke County employee
“Bob is honest and he has integrity. You can trust him… he says what he means. He’s dependable, he listens and he will always try to do the right thing.”
Dori Howdieshell, Greenville
Bob Robinson has been studying the functioning of Darke County far more closely than almost any other resident. As editor of the Advocate he has covered many of the commissioners’ activities.
In my dealings with him, he has been honest, forthright and an excellent communicator.
Bob has strong roots in Darke County. His caring and compassion was witnessed by all of us as he dealt with the loss of his wife of 34 years, Jeanne – a Darke County “gal” – and shared with all of the Advocate’s readers his grief, suffering and hard emotional upheavals due to her death. Bob rebounded from his loss and his life became right again with his marriage to another Darke County “gal,” Susan — to whom his devotion is obvious to all who encounter them. Darke County is Bob’s home and he will do an outstanding job due to his commitment to it. Bob is high on commitment.
Lyn Bliss, Greenville resident
I’m voting for Bob because he showed during his years at the Advocate that he cared for Greenville and Darke County. He went to the effort to learn our history and our needs, and still does through the meetings he attends as part of his campaign. People recognize that.
He doesn’t hesitate to report the good and the bad, and he’s cautious about decisions that could impact others. He thinks for himself.
Having owned his own business, he’s learned how to make things work and he works well with people. He listens to them and takes their suggestions seriously. He isn’t afraid to ask questions of people who may have better solutions. Most important, he realizes that the taxpayers of Darke County will pay his wages.
Kay Seiler, Greenville resident