Thomas J. Limber Jr. of Hempfield Township has announced his candidacy for Mercer County commissioner.

"It is a great opportunity for me," Limber said. "I've always been interested in all levels of county government, and with my background, education and experience ... I think I would serve the county well."

A lifelong resident of Mercer County, Limber is a 1972 graduate of Reynolds High School and a 1981 graduate of Thiel College, Greenville. He attended graduate school at Slippery Rock University and also attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

"I am a self-motivated, well-rounded professional with more than 30 years combined experience" in farming, business, teaching, law enforcement, education administration, youth counseling, insurance, funeral directing and embalming, he said.

Limber has worked with and served on the board of Mercer County Children and Youth Services.

Limber also served on the Butler County (Ohio) Mental Health Board, acting for four years as chairman of the budget and finance committee. He was responsible for allocating more than $14 million to 16 mental health agencies.

Limber was appointed a special deputy sheriff with the Butler County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office Advisory Board and was part of the committee assisting with the planning of a new correctional facility in that county.

The main issue in the upcoming election, Limber said, is property taxes.

"I understand and realize the property tax burden, especially on our senior citizens. I do not favor and will do everything in my power to keep from raising taxes," he said. "I will, as county commissioner, research and look for new sources of revenues."

Another important issue, he said, is attracting new jobs to the area while making sure jobs currently in the county stay here.

"We have people who desire to work, and who have a strong work ethic," he said, adding Mercer County's geographic location is attractive to business and industry.

"I believe that with continued planning and development we can offer businesses throughout the world a safe and secure place to operate their business and industry," he said.