Dear Editor,

I grew up in Colerain and attended the Martins Ferry School District from K-12. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the historical school buildings. I attended Hilltop, Elm School and the “old” high school.

I graduated in 2009 and I was the first ever graduating class to complete a full year from the “new” high school. During my senior year, I participated in post-secondary at Ohio University Eastern which allowed me to graduate college a year early. I was also a member of the National Honor Society.

After high school, I earned my bachelors in Business Administration from Ohio University.

Following my graduation in 2012, I was introduced to Auditor (Andy) Sutak (auditor during that time). I applied for a position and started in the Belmont County Auditor’s office November 5th, 2012.

I certainly thought the Auditor’s office was a place I would retire from. It was a comfortable job where I had earned plenty of responsibility. I was responsible for accounts payable and receivable, transferring and appropriating county funds, balancing the monthly books for the county and numerous other duties.

Unfortunately, things change.

I felt it wasn’t right to stay employed somewhere that made me so unhappy. I was not seen for my worth. The work that was done correctly for years was diminished and insulted.

I want to have integrity in all aspects of my life. So, I made a life changing decision and resigned on my 9 year anniversary, November 5, 2021.

I left to better myself and many other employees have left feeling the same. The turnover rate in this office speaks volumes.

Twelve of the original employees have since chosen to quit, retire early, or were “fired”. Our county deserves better.

When February 2022 came around, no one had put in a petition to run. I knew that I needed to be a leader and stand up for this beautiful county in which we live.

I am qualified to be Auditor and if I didn’t stand up for what is right, I would feel complacent.

I wanted to be a voice for every single person in Belmont County. This position isn’t about parties. I want to help everyone because everyone deserves better.

I want to be held accountable as Auditor and have full governmental transparency. I will work for this County, not to benefit myself.

Let’s work together to better Belmont County. This is OUR election, the people of this county!

Make a stand on November 8th for something better. Because we want change.

Vote Jessa Lepic Belmont County Auditor

Jessa Lepic

Rayland