Justin Barnhart is running for Putnam County Commissioner with decades of experience. He started his career as an intern for Congressman Bob Latta and then worked 6 years in the state legislature crafting agriculture and small business policy.

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He moved his family home from Columbus to serve as Village Administrator in Leipsic. As Village Administrator, he helped bring the village out of state-declared fiscal emergency, adjusted water rates to benefit senior citizens and young families, and managed public construction improvements that came in under budget and on time.

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Today, Barnhart runs All State Strategies, a business that helps average people and businesses navigate government and cut red tape.  His firm has helped farmers and small businesses gain $22M in grants in one year.  The grants averaged $100,000 each.

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As Commissioner, Barnhart pledges to lead the effort to match our sales tax rate to that of neighboring counties.  He says this will result in less taxes, this will be important for businesses and customers engaged in large item purchases like cars.  Through sound money management, Putnam County will continue cash investments in the communities and taxes will be lowered when possible.

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Justin resides in Union Township with his wife Melissa (Verhoff) Barnhart and their four children.  Justin is an officer in the Kalida Holy Name Society and a 4-H Advisor.  Both Melissa and Justin are 2006 graduates of Kalida High School, they are members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and enjoy attending their children’s events.