Opinion: Brinkman's resume makes him best choice for Hamilton County auditor

I have had the privilege to serve with state Rep. Tom Brinkman for almost 16 years in the Ohio General Assembly and can attest that no one is better qualified to replace Dusty Rhodes as Hamilton County Auditor.

Brinkman brings a wealth of financial and personal experience to the position. As a lifelong Hamilton County resident, he is married to his wife Cathy and raised six children in Cincinnati. Brinkman worked for 22 years in the family printing company with involvement in all aspects of that business − finance, marketing and production.

Upon the sale of that company, Brinkman ran for state representative on a platform of "lower taxes, less government," and he has done just that. Brinkman was instrumental in legislation to end the hated E-check and worked to change Ohio’s antiquated tax system. That work, along with his efforts on tort reform and regulation reduction has resulted in Intel’s $20 billion investment in Ohio and Honda’s recent $4 billion expansion in Ohio. Making Ohio business friendly attracts these employers here and results in the employment of our kids and grandkids − something we all like to see.

After his first eight-year stint in the General Assembly, Brinkman was hired as a Financial Service Professional providing life insurance and retirement products throughout the area. Home ownership is the bedrock of most families’ financial stability and their largest asset. Protecting this asset is paramount. Brinkman voted for the law that created Ohio’s homestead property tax deduction for citizens 65 years of age and older. He knows keeping seniors in their home is better for them and the neighborhoods they live in.

Upon returning to the Ohio General Assembly, Brinkman was named chairman of the House Insurance Committee during his first term. He immediately oversaw the massive Bureau of Workers Compensation budget and during his eight years in office, has overseen billions of dollars in rebates along with substantial rate reductions to employers throughout Ohio.

Tax cuts have been forefront of his agenda during this time and over four budgets the citizens have experienced double digit percentages of tax reductions and elimination of many of the tax brackets as we move closer to a flat rate state income tax like our neighboring states. It is Brinkman's pro-growth credentials which won him the endorsement of Cincinnati Area Realtors and the Cincinnati Homebuilders.

But lower taxes and less government are not the only factors in bettering our area. Brinkman has been adamant about reducing crime and backing law enforcement’s efforts to do so. He has been endorsed by both local F.O.P lodges that do endorse, with good reason: only Tom Brinkman stands with law enforcement for safer streets and keeping the criminals locked up.

With a stellar resume like this, Brinkman is the best choice for Hamilton County Auditor on the Nov. 8 ballot. Please join me in voting for Tom Brinkman.

Bill Seitz is serving his 22^nd year in the Ohio General Assembly and is currently the Ohio House Majority Leader. Representative Seitz lives in Green Township.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Opinion: Brinkman's resume makes him best choice for Hamilton County auditor