David Thomas Announces Candidacy for County Auditor
Austinburg, Ohio - Austinburg Township Fiscal Officer David Thomas announces his candidacy for the office of Ashtabula County Auditor in the November 2018 election.
Accessibility and advocacy on behalf of county residents will be a top priority for Thomas in serving as County Auditor. “In my current position as Austinburg Fiscal Officer, I have focused on making local government more responsive to the needs of our community by being transparent in our finances and our decision making. I share policy updates and financial information with our citizens, and advocate for our residents on issues important to them. These actions help develop certainty, trust, and confidence in government which spurs investment in our area,” shares Thomas. Customer service will be a top priority to bring in the Auditor’s Office in addition to creating accountability measures. Some of Thomas’ action steps as Austinburg Fiscal Officer include: • Being one of the first entities to place financial information in the online checkbook • Holding office hours and opportunities outside of the work day for resident questions • Creating a strong online presence with constant information on Township fiscal updates and policy • Advocating successfully for financial concerns of area residents on issues such as CAUV reform and payday loan legislation
“I am running for Auditor because with the right mentality, the office can be an economic development driver in our county and play a more active role in development,” Mr. Thomas continues. “I see the Auditor’s potential for helping our farming, business, and residential communities grow and expand.”
A lifelong resident of Ashtabula County, Thomas served on Austinburg Township’s zoning board at the age of 16, easing zoning regulations on business. As a college student at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, he worked in state and federal government positions, including in the Columbus Statehouse, in the United State House of Representatives, and for the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. Yet, he chose to return to Ashtabula County because he believes government at the local level is most rewarding. Thomas is employed full time at Grand River Academy and is completing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Baldwin Wallace University.
Thomas is a coalition leader for the Ohioans for Payday Loan Reform. He also serves as board member of the Geneva Rotary Club, After School Discovery, and as Treasurer for the Ashtabula County Township Association and the Missions Fund at Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene, where he is a member.