Wabash resident Mike Ridenour will seek the State Senate District 22 seat in the May 6 Republican primary election.
The seat is currently held by Senator Bill Ruppel, who has served since 1992,
Ridenour, 44, Wabash, was elected to the Wabash County Council and finished his first year in 2007. He was elected council vice chairperson this year."I enjoy learning more about how our local government works and like making decisions that will hopefully make our government more efficient and fiscally responsible," Ridenour said.
He said his experience on the county council has heightened his awareness on local government issues.
"I believe I can use the feedback from local property tax-payers and information I've learned from department heads in our county government in their jobs," Ridenour said.
He said with the spotlight on local government changes that are being brought to the forefront in light of property tax concerns, he thinks it is time for change in the way things are being done both at the local level as well as at the state level.
He also said he wants to represent the people and their views of his district.
"I will strive to do my best to see that I convey the thoughts and ideas of the people in District 22," Ridenour said.
He has been employed by G.A. Moore Construction for 14 years as the office manager.
He was previously on the Wabash Metro Baseball League as treasurer for approximately 10 years, where he also helped coach.
Prior to this, he worked in the building materials industry in retail and wholesale for more than 24 years.
He is a 1982 graduate of Southwood High School.
He has been married for 24 years to his wife, Renee, and they have three sons, Jonathon, 21, Blake, 20, and Nicholas, 11.
He is a member of Bachelor Creek Church of Christ and serves in different areas of his church.
