Tours Areas Affected by the Flooding and Attends the Republican Candidates’ Forum
Defiance, OH (February 15, 2008) - Today, Scott Radcliffe, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress (OH-5), was in Defiance to visit with residents and local leaders following the recent flooding and attend a Republican candidates’ forum hosted by the Defiance County Republican Women.
Mr. Radcliffe began the morning by visiting the banks of the Maumee River in Defiance where residents felt the strongest effects of last week’s flooding. He met with Celeste Marroquin who, earlier in the week, vocalized her frustrations about the lack of resources made available to protect residents’ homes. She told how simple sand bags could have helped to protect her house from the floodwaters.
Mr. Radcliffe also met with folks at the Defiance Chamber of Commerce as well as the Volunteer Connection of Northwest Ohio. Bobby Olashuk, Executive Director of the Volunteer Connection said there are definite areas where work needs to be done, but he was very enthusiastic about the level of support he received from all across the region from volunteers looking to extend a helping hand to those in need. Later, Mr. Radcliffe visited with Jerry Hayes, Defiance County’s Economic Director to address ways to boost the local economy.
“It’s encouraging to see how the community came together once again, and it only motivates me more to serve them,” commented Scott Radcliffe in response to the outpouring of support after the second flood in less than six months.
“If elected to Congress, it would be among my top priorities to meet with local officials and the corps of engineers to find a way to help alleviate the flooding in the 5th District,” said Mr. Radcliffe.
The Republican candidates’ forum was held at Charlie’s Down Under on Clinton Street in Defiance, Ohio. There was a crowd of around 40 enthusiastic constituents ready to learn more about the candidates present.
Scott Radcliffe gave a spirited speech citing the dire need for “strong representation to make sure the citizens of our nation are kept safe through vital programs like FISA.”
Scott Radcliffe is a lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio, a West Point graduate, and a two-term Iraq War veteran. While serving in the Army, he ascended to the rank of Captain and was awarded the Bronze Star. From 2004-2005, Mr. Radcliffe was a scout platoon leader responsible for a district of approximately 500,000 in southern Baghdad. After his first tour in Iraq, Mr. Radcliffe was deployed to New Orleans to assist the citizens affected by Hurricane Katrina. During his second tour in 2006-2007, Scott was a speechwriter and member of the III Corps commanding general’s personal staff, LTG Ray Odierno. In December, he returned to his hometown of Perrysburg, Ohio after his second tour in Iraq to run for U.S. Congress. He is engaged to be married this summer and is an active member of Grace United Methodist Church.
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