Guest Column from State Representative Derek Merrin: Working for You at the State Capitol

In August, I was honored to be appointed to the Ohio House of Representatives to serve as your state representative. I have a strong passion for public service, and I’m looking forward to taking my commitment to Columbus to ensure your voice is heard at the Statehouse. Please let me take a moment to introduce myself and share my goals with you.

Being raised in Northwest Ohio, I had the opportunity to graduate from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Arts degree and from Bowling Green State University with a Master of Public Administration degree. By advocating for fiscal responsibility and transparency, I was elected to serve on Waterville City Council. Two years later, I was elected mayor and served four years. As mayor, I led as a strong fiscal conservative and worked to protect our tax dollars.  As an elected official, I gained invaluable experience on how the state can strengthen our local communities. Additionally, I have identified reforms that will provide locally-elected officials more flexibility to effectively serve their communities.

In 2012, State Auditor Dave Yost asked me to join his office to conduct performance audits for financially-strapped schools and cities throughout Ohio. I successfully worked to help schools and cities solve their financial problems and become more efficient. From there, I moved into an administrative role with the State Auditor, where I worked on fighting financial fraud and the misuse of public funds.

My experience is not confined to only government service. As a realtor and real estate investor, I know the challenges everyday Ohioans face—escalating health care costs, rising property taxes, water-quality issues, and the concern for a first-class education for all children and young adults. The challenges are real, but the solutions are attainable. As your state representative, I am working to confront these challenges by tirelessly working to improve our economy, streamline government, and strengthen our local communities.

My office is open to your ideas, questions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me at (614) 466-1751 or derek.merrin@ohiohouse.gov. I look forward to hearing from you!