"Goodwill Advocate Recognized During 2010 Election Forum!"

L to R: Pictures are John Romer, Advocacy Director, HCDDS and James Harley, Advocate.

During the 2010 Election Forum sponsored by long-time partner, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS), Goodwill advocate James Harley was recognized by   John Romer, Advocacy Director,  as the newest member of the Advocacy Leadership Network. James has been a very active and committed advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities for many years and has provided testimony in the past for Hamilton County Commissioners in support of HCDDS.  He has also been a featured “actor” for Ohio Valley Goodwill in an on-going series of mission-oriented television commercials.

James along with Goodwill staff members, Erin Hill and Sharon Hannon, were in attendance at the 2010 Election Forum which was facilitated by members of the  Advocacy Leadership  Network. The forum  provided the opportunity for attendees to hear from  2010 candidates about their position regarding issues affecting citizens with disabilities. Among the special guests were Jim Tarbell and Chris Monzell, both running for County Commissioner, as well as Tom Brinkman for County Auditor and Michael Rench, RSC Administrator, representing Governor Ted Strickland. In his usual assertive fashion, James asked each candidate about their thoughts on issues that directly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities including accessibility, transportation and employment opportunities. The forum was designed to provide the  chance for all to hear the candidate’s views and to ask questions to assist in their voting decisions. Ohio Valley Goodwill is very proud of James and his new appointment to the Advocacy Leadership Network. Goodwill is also grateful to Hamilton County Developmental Disabilties Services and the Advocacy Leadership  Network for their sponsorship of the 2010 Election Forum event.