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.