Fayette County — With the campaigning season coming to a close, here is a look at the annual family gathering of Fayette County farmer and state legislator Bob Peterson.
The annual “Peterson Fall Fest” was October 4th at their farmstead near Sabina, as soybeans were being harvested from nearby fields. The combination summer picnic and political rally featured freshly pressed cider and warm kettle corn as well as state political candidates.
Bob Peterson has been a both a state representative and state senator, and is currently running for re-election as representative again. (His Democratic opponent is Amy Wright of Fayette County; read her introduction below.)
In an interview at the event, Peterson said the Fall Fest has been been going on for 15 or 16 years. His special guests this year were U.S. Senator Jon Husted and Ohio Congressman Mike Carey.
Regarding the Chillicothe paper mill, Peterson said he has been trying his whole time in the legislature to keep it a productive part of the community – and is excited for its rebirth.
As for what the state can do for it, he said: create a business-friendly environment, and encourage business growth like at the former gaseous diffusion plant near Piketon and other new industries in Fayette County.
He said the paper mill is too valuable a site to not be fully utilized.
And as a farmer, I asked him what the state has done for farmers. Peterson pointed out that in the previous week the state legislature enacted a fuel tax holiday through early January. He said 60-70% of farm fuel needs are now, during the fall harvest.
Peterson is running for re-election in Ohio House District 91, and has an official webpage and campaign Facebook page.
For the sake of balance, I offered Peterson’s Democratic opponent the opportunity to represent herself:
“Amy Wright is a lifelong resident of Fayette County, a licensed professional clinical counselor, and a dedicated advocate for working families, children, and communities across Ohio’s House District 91. Her candidacy for the Ohio House of Representatives is rooted in a lifetime of overcoming challenges, serving others, and fighting for opportunities that help people thrive…
“In 2024, Amy became the first woman to run for Fayette County Commissioner, breaking new ground for women in Fayette County and demonstrating her commitment to creating a stronger, more inclusive future for her community.
“Now, Amy is seeking to bring her real-world experience and community-centered leadership to the Ohio House of Representatives. She is committed to strengthening public education through fair school funding, expanding access to affordable housing and child care, supporting workers and small businesses, and ensuring every Ohioan has access to quality, affordable healthcare…
Wright says she will participate in the NAACP candidates forum in Chillicothe on October 27th. She has a campaign website and Facebook page.
