She sought a third term, but was defeated by Mayor Gary Leitzell in November 2009.
“As a city commissioner, you are able to channel yourself,” she said. She said she wants to be able to focus on several key areas, including working with small businesses, working with neighborhoods and promoting the city’s arts-and-entertainment identity.
“I did eight years,” McLin said. “It would be good to just harness my concentration on certain areas.”
McLin, a Democrat, previously served six years in the Ohio House of Representatives, from 1988 to 1994, and was elected to the Ohio Senate in 1994, serving Montgomery and Miami counties.
While in the Senate, she served as minority whip and later minority leader.
She’s developed a tradition of announcing her next political move at her annual birthday party, which brought a packed house to Club Masque.
Her picture and a “Happy 63rd Birthday” message were displayed on the outdoor jumbo screen.
Mike Martin, president of the Oregon District Business Association, said he considers himself a Republican, but has been a longtime supporter of McLin.
“She was a big proponent of the (Oregon) business district,” he said.
McLin is the first candidate to officially announce her intentions regarding the 2013 commission election.
Up for grabs in that election will be seats held by Commissioners Nan Whaley and Joey Williams and Mayor Gary Leitzell.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2124 or kwedell@coxohio.com.
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