Rep. Balderson sings praises of Holmes County’s people

On Sunday, June 30, Ohio 12th Congressional District Rep. Troy Balderson served as one of the keynote speakers for the Holmes County bicentennial celebration in the Holmes County Courthouse, where he spoke about what makes Holmes County so special.

While it is well known for its tourism industry, its Amish culture and woodworking craftsmanship, and the agriculture and beautiful scenery, Balderson said it is the people who make Holmes County unique and have made the county one that has prospered for two centuries.

“Holmes County is special,” Balderson said. “Hard work, personal responsibility, and caring for our families and neighbors is what Holmes County is all about. For 200 years these qualities have defined the people of Holmes County.”

Balderson said one of the most endearing qualities of Holmes County people is they never seem to give up, and Balderson shared one particular story of how Holmes County bands together when people need each other the most.

He recalled the events of mid-July 2022 when a derecho ripped through the county, leaving in its wake a path of devastation.

Balderson, who had just recently come into office, said state and even national media flocked to the county to report on the devastation, but what they found once they had gotten here was that much of the damage had already been cleaned up as neighbors helped neighbors and people leaped into action to help those struggling with the effects of the storm.

“Instead of arriving to a story that they felt would be the story of destruction, loss and utter devastation, they witnessed the opposite,” Balderson said. “They witnessed neighbors who worked through the night, cleaning up debris, downed trees cut into firewood and repair work already underway.”

He said in a world where sensationalism sells for national media outlets, the stories of devastation instead turned into heartwarming stories of people helping people.

Balderson said media personnel found local residents making food for volunteer workers, people giving unselfishly, lending a hand wherever and however they could.

“Holmes County wasn’t waiting on FEMA. They weren’t waiting for their checks to clear for hiring contractors. It was neighbors doing what neighbors do here,” Balderson said. “Holmes County embodies the values that make America the best country we have ever known. Yes, the landscape is beautiful, but it is the people here that truly make it exceptional.”

Balderson said hard work, taking personal responsibility, taking care of families and making families a priority are all basic American values that define what helped make America the great nation it is.

Having grown up in a small, rural area, Balderson said it is his honor to go to work each day and represent people who care so deeply for one another and take pride in their community and county.

“With God’s grace those values and traditions will continue to flourish for the next 200 years,” Balderson said, adding it was an honor to be able to speak at the bicentennial celebration.