Thursday, January 31, 2008

Impressive contributions represent real people who want real change

John O’Grady’s campaign for Franklin County Commissioner demonstrated a broad range of support today, filing an impressive $211,688 raised and $158,772 cash on hand. John’s support came from 431 individual donations.

“I am humbled by the tremendous support I’ve received from people across our great state,” said John O’Grady. “From my good friends in the business and labor communities to the hardworking people who make Central Ohio great, we’re all coming together to bring a new generation of leadership to our county.”

According to the annual finance report filed today, Friends of John O’Grady posted the following contributions:

Brought forward: 1,792.16
Contributions: 211,688.00
Expenditures: 54,707.70
Cash on hand: 158,772.46

“Each of the 431 individual contributions to my campaign represents a vote for the future of Franklin County,” concluded O’Grady. “These are real people who want real change.”

Campaign finance reports will be available from the Franklin County Board of Elections online this evening.

O'Grady announces Tavares, Faith as Social Services co-chairs for campaign

John O’Grady demonstrated his commitment to first-class social services today by naming two renowned Columbus leaders as co-chairs for his campaign Social Services committee. Columbus City Council member Charleta Tavares and Bill Faith will lead John’s efforts to outline a comprehensive strategy for delivering excellent social services as a Franklin County Commissioner. The new co-chairs released the following statements:

Council member Charleta Tavares, Executive Director, Multi-ethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence*

"John O'Grady's commitment to public service has been evident in his sound judgment and fiscal management as Clerk of Courts for Franklin County. His personal values and commitment to serving our county's most vulnerable residents is the primary reason I have enthusiastically endorsed his candidacy for commissioner and will serve as his Social Services co-chair on the campaign."

Bill Faith, Executive Director, COHHIO*

“It’s not often we get the chance to support an elected official who is as honest, dedicated, and principled as John O’Grady. It’s especially good to know that John will fight for critical social services as our next Commissioner.

“John understands the critical role county government plays in reaching out to those who need a helping hand. He also understands that first-class services are made possible by a vibrant economy. Put simply, John gets it.

“I am honored serve as a Social Services co-chair for the campaign, joining a veritable “Who’s Who” of endorsements for John O’Grady. It’s such a strong list of endorsements for a reason – John has the priorities that matter and the ability to create real change for our county.”

*Titles used for identification purposes only.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Paul Tipps talks about O'Grady's race

Here's what Paul Tipps, former Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, had to say about the race for Franklin County Commissioner --

This election is about the cooperation of the future versus the division of the past. John is the only candidate who can work together with everyone to turn Democratic values into concrete action for the residents of Franklin County. That’s why he has the endorsement of the elected Democrats in Franklin County.”

Former ODP Chairs back O'Grady

In another sign of John O’Grady’s strength as the endorsed Democrat for Franklin County Commissioner, Team O’Grady today announced the endorsements of five former Ohio Democratic Party Chairs. The following former chairs join current ODP Chairman Chris Redfern in actively supporting John’s candidacy:

Bill Lavelle – 1971-1974
Paul Tipps – 1974-1982
Jim Ruvolo – 1983-1990
Gene Branstool – 1991-1993
Harry Meshel – 1993-1995

“My dad, Pete O’Grady, helped lead the party with these great Democrats. It’s an honor to know that they support me as part of the new generation of leadership in our county and in our party,” said John O’Grady.

These former ODP Chairs join an impressive list of community members, business leaders, and elected officials who support John O’Grady as the endorsed Democrat for Franklin County Commissioner.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Treasurer Rich Cordray endorses O'Grady

The endorsements keep rolling in!



In a strong sign of support, Ohio Treasurer Rich Cordray endorsed John O’Grady for Franklin County Commissioner today. John has previously announced the endorsements of the Franklin County Democratic Party and the Democratic elected officials of Central Ohio.

Treasurer Rich Cordray released the following statement in announcing her endorsement:

“John O’Grady is the perfect example of Central Ohio’s new generation of leadership. Some people talk about a bright future for families and workers. John delivers real results.

“Just look at what John has done as Clerk of Courts. In 2001, he took over an office full of political corruption and fraud. John also faced partisan attacks because he was the first Democratic Clerk of Courts in decades. Today, Republicans and Democrats agree that John O’Grady turned the office around because of his clear vision, strong leadership, and real cooperation.

“I wholeheartedly endorse John O’Grady because he is an effective leader with the experience that matters for Franklin County.”

A video endorsement from Ohio Treasurer Rich Cordray is now available online at http://www.johnogrady.org/Endorsements.html.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Former US, Ohio Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow endorsed John!

Today Mary Ellen Withrow, Former Treasurer of the United States and Former Ohio Treasurer, endorsed John O’Grady in the Democratic primary for Franklin County Commissioner. In addition to her decades of public service, Withrow is well known as an advocate for women. She was a member of the board of directors for Women Executives in State Government, a recipient of that organization’s fellowship to Harvard University, and an inductee into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Mary Ellen Withrow released the following statement in announcing her endorsement:

“I’ve had the good fortune of knowing John O’Grady for over twenty years. John is the kind of leader that recognizes public service is a privilege. When he takes on a job, he works in the best interest of the public and he always sees the job through. I strongly endorse John for Franklin County Commissioner because he has the proven ability to work with everyone to bring new jobs and opportunity to Franklin County.”

Bio of Mary Ellen Withrow, courtesy of the U.S. Treasury.
Mary Ellen Withrow was confirmed unanimously by the Senate to be the 40th Treasurer of the United States on February 10, 1994, and was sworn into office March 1, 1994. She served until January 20, 2001.

She was the first person to have held the post of treasurer at all three levels of government -- local, state and national.

She was elected Treasurer of her native Marion County, Ohio, in 1976 and 1980. She was then elected as Ohio State Treasurer in 1982 and re-elected in 1986 and 1990.

During her tenure as Ohio's Treasurer, Withrow's innovative programs, management efficiencies and record earnings for Ohio earned her nationwide recognition. In March 1992 she received the Donald L. Scantlebury Memorial Award from the Treasury's Joint Financial Management Improvement Program for financial excellence and improvement in government.

She was named the nation's Most Valuable State Public Official by City & State Newspaper in 1990. She is past president of the National Association of State Treasurers, and past president of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers.

Withrow, who began her career in public service in 1969 as the first woman elected to the Elgin Local School Board in Marion County, was a member of the board of directors of Women Executives in State Government, an inductee into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame and a recipient of a Women Executives in State Government fellowship to Harvard University. She currently serves on numerous national boards as well.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

O’Grady, Goodwin trade endorsements

Candidates for the U.S. Congress and the Franklin County Commission traded endorsements today. Both Russ Goodwin, candidate for OH-12, and John O’Grady, candidate for the Franklin County Commission, are endorsed by the Franklin County Democratic Party. In announcing their endorsements, the campaigns released the following statements:

Statement of Russ Goodwin endorsing John O’Grady for Franklin County Commissioner.

“John O’Grady has been a longtime advocate for a more successful, more diverse, and more inclusive Central Ohio family. I’m proud to endorse John because he is part of a new generation of leadership that will do more than talk about bringing people together – John will fight for our shared values and get real results for every person in Franklin County.”

Statement of John O’Grady endorsing Russ Goodwin for U.S. Congress (OH-12).

“Russ Goodwin is not only a Navy veteran and long-time Stonewall Dems leader. Russ is the kind of fresh voice we need in Washington. I urge the voters of Franklin County to support Russ on March 4th and send him to Congress on November 4th.”

Monday, January 21, 2008

John celebrates Dr. King's life

Today, John O'Grady celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King's life at several events, including the annual King breakfast and the King march.

John joined great friends like City Council member Hearcel Craig for this historic celebration.

As the endorsed Democrat for Franklin County Commissioner, John is firmly committed to equal rights for all Americans and will fight every day to make Dr. King's dream a reality right here in Franklin County.

Thanks to all our volunteers!

This Saturday, 3 dozen volunteers braved the sub-zero wind chill to get the word out about John O'Grady! Thanks so much to all our dedicated supporters and to the Franklin County voters who voiced overwhelming support for John in this race.

Like all political campaigns, this one will be won on the ground. And with our amazing Team O'Grady volunteers, we're well on our way to victory on Tuesday, March 4th.

(Couldn't make it out this weekend? Email us at volunteer -AT- johnogrady dot org to get involved. We have phonebanking and canvassing opportunities every single day!)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Join John this weekend

John is the endorsed Democrat for Franklin County Commissioner and we need to get that word out!

Saturday January 19,2008
9:00 AM
Franklin County Democratic Party

I hope you can join us 9am this Saturday--and every Saturday through March 1-- at the Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters on State Street. We will do a training, then head out to the neighborhoods and survey Democrats, giving them the information they need to choose John O'Grady in the March 4 Primary Election (and November 4 General Election too!).

We go out to talk to voters in the rain, snow or sun. Because the only way to get people to vote beyond President in a Primary is to give them a reason.

John O'Grady is the reason. He will be walking with us, talking to Democrats, and locking in success to carry over into November. Please let me know if John can count on you this Saturday, January 19.

Kelli Arthur Hykes
Volunteer Coordination
O'Grady for Commissioner
kelliarthur@hotmail.com

PS If you can't make it on Saturdays, please contact kelliarthur@hotmail.com to get a phone list and call voters in the evenings. If we don't do our part, Franklin County won't have the Commissioners we deserve!

BREAKING NEWS: Redfern endorsed O'Grady for Commissioner

Today John O’Grady for Franklin County Commissioner received the endorsement of Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern. The endorsement comes on the heels of O’Grady’s endorsement by the Franklin County Democratic Party and the personal support of Democratic elected officials from across Central Ohio.

In announcing his endorsement, Chris Redfern released the following statement:

“Like the Franklin County Democratic Party, I want to announce my support for John O’Grady in the Franklin County Commissioners race. John O’Grady has been a good and loyal friend to me and to the Ohio Democratic Party. John O’Grady will work to bring good paying jobs to central Ohio, and I am pleased to announce my support for his campaign.”

In response, John O’Grady released the following statement:

“I appreciate the support and friendship of our party’s state chairman, Chris Redfern. Like our statewide leaders Ted Strickland, Rich Cordray, Jennifer Brunner, Marc Dann, and Chris Redfern, I will bring a new generation of leadership to Franklin County.”

Friday, January 4, 2008

John officially files to run for Franklin County Commissioner

On Thursday, January 3, 2008, Franklin County Clerk of Courts John O’Grady filed petitions to run for the Franklin County Commission seat being vacated by Congressional candidate Mary Jo Kilroy. O’Grady’s campaign has received significant early support from Democratic officeholders and the Franklin County Democratic Party.

O’Grady remarked that he is proud of the endorsements he’s received, such as the support of the three current Commissioners – Mary Jo Kilroy, Paula Brooks, and Marilyn Brown. He is also honored to have the endorsements of Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman, who recently won re-election to a third term by beating his opponent by 40 points.

“As your next Franklin County Commissioner, I pledge to work with everyone – from township trustees and county officials to business and labor leaders – to bring good-paying jobs to Franklin County,” stated John O’Grady.

In the Democratic primary, O’Grady is an odds-on favorite, thanks to his strong fundraising and support from every Democratic official in Franklin County. Just as important is O’Grady’s endorsement by the Franklin County Democratic Party.

O’Grady says his race for Franklin County Commissioner is about one thing: jobs.

When John announced his candidacy, he said, “This election is about continuing the economic prosperity of Central Ohio, even as our state faces tough economic times. I’ve always believed that bringing people together is the best way to get real results for Franklin County.

John O’Grady was elected Franklin County Clerk of Courts in 2000. He was re-elected in 2004. Prior to serving as our Democratic Clerk of Courts, John worked as an administrator for State Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow for nine years.

As Franklin County Clerk of Courts, John O’Grady took on the political corruption, lack of safety, instability, and inefficiency in the office. Thanks to John O’Grady’s leadership, employees at the Clerk of Courts are barred from contributing to his campaigns. Clerk of Courts staff now receive excellent customer service training and use new accounting procedures to improve accuracy and prevent fraud. John has also demonstrated strong leadership by working to make sure no tax dollars are wasted on the Case Management System.

John O'Grady has been actively involved in charitable organizations for a number of years. John is the past President and current member of the Board of Trustees of The Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio. John is a lector at his parish church, St. Brendans.

John O'Grady is married to Pam, Director of Legislative and Community Affairs for Mayor Coleman, and is the father of Elizabeth, Jack, and Patrick. John and Pam are expecting their fourth child.