Fred Keith Jr. announced his candidacy for Wood Co. Commissioner for the Democratic Party. His top priority as commissioner will be attracting jobs that will drive the new economy. Fred said, “My two children have found good jobs but my concern is for their next generation; we need to get through these current economic times and build for the jobs for the future economy."

For the past five years, Fred has been the elected Business Manager of the Boilermakers Local 85 Union located in Rossford. As part of his job, he has worked with regional companies to produce more green energy. Fred observed “On a daily basis on my job, I talk with companies that want to improve their energy efficiency and reliance on renewable energy sources. As Commissioner, I would work to make Wood County one of the foremost in terms of the next generation of energy.”

Fred is a member of Faith Tabernacle Church in Northwood and a board member of the Ottawa County Workforce Development. Fred is also a Lakota School Board member (elected three times) where he had a role in hiring the Superintendent and Treasurer. He worked with Lakota voters in three counties to support building a new K-12 school; the school will be complete in 2011. Fred stated “My experience as a board member for 9 years, as well as my private industry experience, has taught me that cooperation is important in building success.”

Fred is a life-long resident of Bradner; he and his wife Georgia have two sons, Jaramie and Fred III. As Commissioner, Fred promises to work with all groups of people to advance this County: farmers and retirees, small business owners and large companies, students and educators, labor and management. Fred pledged “I will work will all groups to create good paying jobs for your children and grandchildren.”