MARIA STEIN — Aaron Heilers, of Anna, launched his campaign for Ohio House of Representatives’ 84th District on Tuesday night at the Moeller Brew Barn in Maria Stein. He is seeking the Republication nomination for the seat.
Heilers is running his campaign based on three items: Protect, preserve and promote. These pillars represent his connection to the area and his goals for the future.
Heilers is pro-family, pro-second amendment legislation, pro-agriculture and pro-small businesses. He’s a supporter of education and his wife, Sarah, works as an agricultural instructor and FFA adviser at Anna High School.
“We want to lead by example,” he said. “We want to show people of this it’s important to get involved.”
The 84th district covers parts of Shelby, Auglaize, Darke and Mercer counties, and Heilers has been a resident of the area his entire life. Currently, Heilers lives with his wife and two children in Anna on their grain farm and wine grape vineyard. During the kickoff event on Tuesday Heilers warned of the work that the campaign will require.
“If you haven’t been involved with a campaign before, it truly is a team effort,” Heilers said. “You guys are all here and we appreciate that, but the big push going forward is to get me in front of as many people as possible. “
Heilers said that his qualifications not only stem from being able to be “one of the group” and also someone that “stands and speaks and acts for the broader group.” Beyond that, he noted his experience as a leader in the community. He was co-chair of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Young Agricultural Professionals State Advisory Committee, an award recipient for excellence in promoting agriculture from the Ohio Farm Bureau, a member of the Shelby County Jr. Fair Improvement Fund Committee, Chairman of the Shelby County Agricultural Society (Fair Board), co-chair of the Shelby County Young Republicans, treasurer of the Shelby County Republican party, past president of the Shelby County Farm Bureau and lector and member of and on the parish council of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
“We need somebody in this district who understand how important agriculture is for our way of life,” he said. “Agriculture is the common thread that holds us all together.”
Treasurer of Heiler’s campaign, Brenda Mescher, said she was happy with the event.
“He held it here at a local business with an agriculture base,” she said. “He stands for what he believes and he’d be a great representative at the Statehouse.”
Mercer county resident Greg Hibner also expressed his support.
“I met him last week and he seemed very genuine so I thought I’d come out,” he said. “I like what I hear.”
Heilers is running against Susan Manchester, of Waynesfield, and Travis Faber, of Celina. The primary election will be May 8, 2018.
For information, visit electheilers.com.
