State Representative Jim Buchy
Auglaize County- A Great Place to Live 

West central Ohio is the best place in the world to live work and rear a family.  I am fortunate that our local papers print Statehouse Updates, but often we forget to talk about how great our local communities are.  For the next few months I will periodically focus a column on the unique characteristics that make each county in western Ohio the best place to live work and rear a family.  This month I will discuss Auglaize County. 

Auglaize County is known for manufacturing and agriculture.  In Auglaize County it is clear that putting food on the table is a top priority. The small town living combined with the many benefits of a growing economy make it a great place to live, work, and rear a family. 

Crown Equipment Corporation, the largest employer in the county provides 2400 jobs to the area. Other companies like Graham Packaging and Miller’s Textiles have also seen tremendous growth in recent years. 

People want to work in Auglaize County because they recognize the importance of the major highways that pass through Wapakoneta. The region is attractive to businesses that bring jobs, including  Honda of America which has been a major facet of the west central Ohio economy for the past several decades. Toledo is just 90 minutes north of Wapakoneta, another reason that business and people are attracted to the area. The average drive to work is only 20 minutes and people enjoy over 6500 jobs in the manufacturing industry alone. 

All these jobs combined with great schools and teachers make Auglaize County a great place to rear a family. That is probably why the divorce rate among couples is only 3% and the amount of single parent households only 9%. The people of Auglaize County put family first, a fine priority that speaks to their character. 

The average family income is $52,267 but less than 5% of families fall below poverty level. Auglaize County represents a true blue-collar economy with people who aren’t afraid of hard work. Students are focused and driven, with an almost 100% high school graduation rate. 

Beyond that, the training that young people receive to pursue careers is extensive in the area, which contributes to the competent workforce.  Students have the option of enrolling in vocational programs, community colleges, or large universities that are just an easy ride on US 33 or I-75. 

Putting all the practical qualities of Auglaize County aside, it is simply a fun and beautiful place to live, work, and rear a family. It is on Grand Lake St. Marys, a spot that has become important to the economy because it is a great place to fish and enjoy a day on the water.  The Miami-Erie Canal runs right through Auglaize County as well, a historic treasure.  

The fact that the amount of people living in Auglaize County increases each year proves that it is a great place to live, work, and rear a family. I am proud to represent a district that includes Auglaize County and I know the hard-working people of the region are just as proud to call Auglaize County home. 

Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjuly2014.