Wayne Allen | Daily Times

Dianna Crabtree (left), Mike Crabtree (center) is being sworn into office by former state representative Todd Book at the American Legion Post 23 Tuesday night.

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Wayne Allen

PDT Staff Writer

Mike Crabtree was sworn in for a third term as Scioto County Commissioner Tuesday night during a victory celebration held to thank friends and supports for working in his reelection campaign.

“I have had the privilege of serving Scioto County as county commissioner for a few terms. Now I have the privilege of serving one more term,” Crabtree told supporters. “It’s been a pleasure being county commissioner the eight years that I’ve served and I’m sure it’s going to be a pleasure serving the next four years.”

Crabtree defeated challenger Donny Rachford by 162 votes in the November General Election to retain his seat with the county commissioners.

“It’s been a tough election this year and most of you know switching parties and having to hold on to my supporters. I found there is a lot of good people who managed to get me back where I am today. I could not have done this without a single one of you,” Crabtree said. “Even with the stress Dianna and I have went through this past year, we came out victorious and appreciate all of you folks for that,” Crabtree said.

Crabtree is slated to become chairman of the commissioners in 2013.

“I am on tap to become chairman next year. That holds with it more responsibility but, I’ve never come up against something I could not handle,” Crabtree said. “We are certainly going to do what we can to make Scioto County a better place. Things are tough in todays economy but, we are going to do everything we can and I believe with Doug (Coleman Scioto County Commissioner-elect) coming in, he has assured me he is going to work with me to try to make things a little better.”

He said some of the top issues facing the commissioners today include managing county’s expenses and budget as well as bringing jobs to the area.

“The budget is in much better shape than it was, but we are going to have to continue to work conservatively. We’re not out of the woods yet,” Crabtree said. “Things do look better for Scioto County. We’re going to continue to work to keep the budget under control and do what we can to encourage business here in the county.”

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.