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Tim Derickson, a Miami alum and local leader

TO THE EDITOR:

Nearly six months ago, myself and many others were surprised to hear of the abrupt resignation of House Speaker John Boehner from Congress. Mr. Boehner, a man who began his political career as a township trustee and rose to become one of the most powerful people in Washington, had represented the 8th district for over 25 years. Now, with a crowded field of over 15 candidates in the special election to fill the vacancy, the question before us is who will be the person to replace Mr. Boehner and serve as the U.S representative for the citizens of Oxford and southwest Ohio? This question is one I can sincerely answer with ease, and that individual is Tim Derickson.

I have known Tim Derickson for nearly three years and I can think of no better person to represent Miami University and the Oxford community than him. Mr. Derickson is a lifelong resident of Butler County and grew up on his family's dairy farm just a few miles outside of Oxford. He and his wife, Kelly, are graduates of Miami and both his kids have carried on the family tradition of attending as well. His daughter is a recent graduate and his son is currently a student here. The Dericksons are truly a "Miami family" and proud of it.

For the past eight years, Derickson has served Oxford and other portions of Butler County as the Ohio State Representative for the 53rd House District, where he has proven himself to be an honest and effective public servant who always keeps the interests of his constituents at the forefront of his decision-making. Over the years, Derickson has developed a substantial working relationship with numerous Miami administrators and faculty, Oxford businesses and community leaders and, most importantly, his constituents.

While Derickson is a proud conservative Republican, he is also a constructive conservative. He believes both parties must work together to confront the pressing issues of our day to reach consensus, without compromising core sets of principles. Anyone who knows Derickson, be they Democrat, Republican or Independent, may not align with him on all the issues, but would agree he is a man of high moral character who always does what he believes is in the best interest of our community, our state and our country.

The choice is clear. Tim Derickson has been a leader in Ohio and will take his skills, experience and common-sense values with him to serve as our voice in Washington. To all of the readers who are registered to vote in the 8th congressional district and plan on voting in today's Republican Primary election, I strongly urge you to join me in supporting Tim Derickson for Congress.

Cameron J. Garcyzk

garczycj@miamioh.edu