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Koch files in GOP race for county commission seat

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer Updated 12:00 AM Tuesday, February 16, 2010

LEBANON — There will be a contested race in the Republican primary for the Warren County Commission seat being vacated by Mike Kilburn.

Union Twp. Trustee Chris Koch, 42, filed his petitions late Friday, Feb. 12 with the Warren County Board of Elections.

Koch, who is president of the Union Twp. trustees, described himself as a “tea party Republican” and said he wants to be “the voice of conservative leadership on the county commission as Kilburn has for the past 28 years.”

Koch joins former Sheriff Tom Ariss who has already filed his petitions to run in the Republican primary.

Also taking out petitions, but have not yet filed are former Mason mayor Tom Grossman, Franklin Councilman Jason Faulkner, and Sandra Tugrul of Turtlecreek Twp.

Carlisle Mayor Tim Humphries, who is registered as a Democrat, has also taken out petitions to run for county commissioner and has said he will be filing to run in the Republican primary.

Although the primary election race for the GOP nomination may be crowded on May 4, Koch said he believes primaries are a good thing.

“I trust the people to make a decision and to look at the candidates and their motives,” Koch said. “I’m counting on them to make the right decision and I’m confident I’ll prevail.

“We have to get beyond personal agendas and look at what’s best for the county,” he said. “I think the time is now for conservative leadership.”

A graduate of Ohio University, Koch is married and has three children.

The deadline to file petitions for the May 4 primary is 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or erichter@coxohio.com.

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