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Wednesday, 17 February 2010 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
A Wapakoneta area resident recently announced his first fundraiser to help pay for his run for a Republican seat in the state House of Representatives.
Nicholas Sammetinger recently announced the staff for his 2010 candidacy to represent the constituents in the 76th House District.
On Feb. 28, the committee to elect Sammetinger plans organize and host a fundraiser to help fund his campaign with a scott doubles bowling tournament scheduled to be held from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Astro Lanes Bowling Alley in Wapakoneta.
Chaired by Eric Shellenbarger, the event features a 50/50 raffle drawing with Sammetinger present to meet and speak with the constituents he is hoping to represent if elected.
A graduate of Wapakoneta High School and a student at The Ohio State University, Sammetinger said he decided to run for the state representative position in January with the support of his family and friends.
“I decided to run for the state position because I am unhappy with how our country and state has declined over the years,” Sammetinger said. “I found myself complaining about how things were — the debt Ohio has built, the unemployment in our district and state, and the extremely high taxes.
“I have always been taught by my parents that if you are unhappy with something and you believe you can make a difference and change it, then stand up for what you believe in and do it,” he said. “This is me standing up for what I believe in. I believe it is time for a change. I know I am not experienced, but experience got us where we are today.”
He would be running against incumbent state Rep. Cliff Hite, R-Findlay. Sammetinger said at this time, three people are running for the Republican candidacy, with Dennis Armstrong also throwing his hat into the rink.
“I do not want to be someone who downplays another person because I do not believe in mudslinging politics,” Sammetinger said. “My really big complaint about the current representative is that in his two terms, how many times has he came and talked to the people of Auglaize and Hardin counties?
“I am not talking about luncheons, dinners and fundraisers. I mean, how often does he drive to rural Auglaize County, Fryburg, St. Johns, Buckland and New Knoxville and truly meet the people?” he said.
While collecting signatures on his petition for candidacy, Sammetinger said many people did not know who their representative in the General Assembly was.
“I believe this is a problem and he should be present often throughout the whole district,” Sammetinger said. “Cliff Hite is a good man with good intentions — I just believe it is time to try a different direction to see if we can change the declining pace of Ohio.”
Outside his district, Sammetinger said is he feels too often politicians fall to worrying about making friends, raising money and being re-elected that they tend to forget about the people in which they represent.
“I know it is hard in only two years to get a lot done and to meet everyone, but if you do your job and you are good at it, you will get re-elected,” Sammetinger said. “It is time we make decisions on all political avenues to get someone in who cares about the people more than a political career. It is time we get a younger and more energetic citizens engaged. This is our chance to change things up and attempt to steer Ohio into a better direction.”
Serving as Sammetinger’s campaign manager is Pam Egbert, who has been involved in public relations and promotions during the past 30 years.
“Nick has worked hard on what his platform is and where he wants to take a stand,” Egbert said. “He has thought about this election a lot and where his country is going.”
As one of three sons of Sharon and Willie Sammetinger, the youngest son is expected to graduate from The Ohio State University June 13 with a master’s degree in education and global social studies. Through the years, he has remained active as a member of the Wapakoneta FFA Alumni and Young Farmers, Pi Lambda Theta, Ohio State Republicans and the NRA.
“I feel like I can be the right person for this job because I am young and energetic,” Sammetinger said. “I am willing to do whatever it takes to help people of my district, state and country. I believe Ohio can once again be a prosperous and successful state. Being young and inexperience gives our district a new opportunity to get on track.
“The biggest reason I believe I am right for this position is because I will always consult with the constituents of my district,” he said. “I will always come back to meet and greet the residents of my district to gather feedback and opinions on where we are and what track we need to be on. My door will always be open. I want people to e-mail me, call me, write letters, set up meetings with me and come visit me.”
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 18 February 2010 )
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