Simmons to run for county commissioner

Miami County commissioner John “Bud” O’Brien faces a challenger in his bid for re-election.

Greg Simmons of Troy, a former county employee and retired director of the West Central Juvenile Detention Facility, filed his petitions to run in the Republican primary Friday at the Miami County Board of Elections. O’Brien, a Tipp City resident, filed his petitions Tuesday.

Simmons, the retired senior pastor of the Upper Room Worship Center in Tipp City, said in a press release that he thinks “it is time for transparency and complete integrity in the office of the Miami County Commission.” Simmon sought appointment to a commission seat following the death of Commissioner John Dugan in 2004. County Republicans appointed Commissioner Jack Evans to that seat.

O’Brien has been a commissioner since 2007. He previously was the county recorder from 1996 through 2006. He also serves as chairman of the county Republican Party. “Miami County has come a long way over the past 3 years. We weathered the financial downturn in the economy by using sound business practices, teamwork and conservative fiscal policies. These policies have resulted in budget surpluses and our excellent standing in the financial markets.

No Democrats have filed for the commission seat. The candidate filing deadline is Feb. 5.

About the Author