To the editor:

With the upcoming presidential race clearly a focus for voters this fall, it’s important to remember that we’ll elect many other local, state and federal officials that, while not as visible as those in the presidential contest, are just as important in how they serve our community.

Our race in particular, for Shelby County residents, is the County Treasurer’s office. I’m writing in support of John Coffield for Shelby Country Treasurer. I’ve known John Coffield for 24 years as a co-worker and a personal friend. He has the professional experience and personal character that I believe will serve residents well.

First, I believe Mr. Coffield has the strong financial management skills required by the position, proven by a successful 35 year banking career. He is honest, analytical, objective minded and detail oriented. All are the important strengths for anyone occupying this office.

Next, he is community minded, and serves it proudly. His leadership, and participation and support of his community is not something undertaken during an election year just to add to his resume. He’s been active for many years in Sidney Kiwanis, Raise the Roof for the Arts, and is a volunteer and advocate for mentally disabled citizens through his role as a board member for the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities. In this regard, he also “walks the talk,” helping his family care for several developmentally disabled family members.

John Coffield volunteers regularly — whether it’s fund-raising or manning the recycling center on Saturday mornings, picking up trash along local roads, serving dinners at the Labor Day Chicken BBQ, or flipping flapjacks at the annual Spring Pancake Day. He believes in giving something back. His long service to his community proves he keeps the commitments he makes.

In the nearly 25 years I’ve known and worked with John Coffield, things like his willingness to get involved, ability to relate to different people, and his desire to have a little fun every day have always stood out to me as central to his character. I know many of his friends and business associates both in Sidney and throughout the county, and I’m sure all could agree: John Coffield is always someone you want on your team.

The citizens of Shelby County would be well served with John Coffield as County Treasurer. You can “Count on Coffield!”

Peter Denisky

Reynoldsburg