Harding, a retired consultant, technical writer and historian, said that he has always been involved in civic affairs, but has not had the chance until now to run for office. He has been involved in the South Milford Neighborhood Association, which was involved in the creation of Valley View, a 130-acre nature preserve and education facility located in Milford.
“What got me interested in the position is that it’s open, and while I’ve been involved civically, I haven’t had the chance to run for office,” Harding said. “I’m looking forward to a good hard campaign.”
Harding was endorsed unanimously Saturday, July 14 by the Clermont County Democratic Party’s Central Committee as its candidate for commissioner. He said that he was both flattered and honored by the endorsement.
“After a series of unfortunate and embarrassing incidents involving elected officials in Clermont County, I believe Len Harding will be viewed as intelligent, reliable, and will bring the highest level of integrity possible to this post,” Dave Lane, chairman of the Clermont County Democratic Party said.
Harding says that one of the biggest issues facing the county is balancing the need to attract employers and the county’s ability to carry out its responsibilities with limited fiscal resources.
“Counties typically give away a lot to get a manufacturer in,” Harding said. “We need to be careful we don’t give away more than we get. We don’t want to be a net loser.”
Harding will be vying for the seat that was left vacant by Commissioner Archie Wilson, who resigned Feb. 1, the day before he was charged in Kentucky for soliciting prostitution and trafficking in a controlled substance.
Harding served with the U.S. Army for two years. He lives in Milford with his wife Sandra. He is the father of four adult children, grandfather of three, and great-grandfather of three toddlers.