Read Brigid Kelly's letter to supporters about her resignation, health

Brigid Kelly
Brigid Kelly

Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly resigned Wednesday and has entered hospice. Here is the email she sent to her supporters Thursday:

Dear Friends,

It has been my privilege to serve as County Auditor since March 2023. The team in the Auditor’s Office is committed to transparency, accuracy, and outstanding service to the people of Hamilton County. We completed the required reappraisal of more than 350,000 parcels in the county, are modernizing the Board of Revision process, and are increasing staffing and creating more equity so that we may better serve our constituents. We are partnering with other groups to explain the functions and role of our office, and working to advocate for changes in policy that will help people to have a better life. There are few greater responsibilities than holding the public trust and being elected to serve.

My time in the office has also been challenging as I’ve grappled with serious health issues. I officially resigned from the Auditor's Office effective at 9am on Wednesday, March 27. Resigning from this position is a difficult decision, but one that is necessary to address my personal health.

The office needs a leader who remains committed to transparency, accountability, and outstanding service. The Auditor should be a leader who can set aside politics and work on behalf of all citizens of Hamilton County. It should be someone with the knowledge and skill to hit the ground running to continue executing the imperative tasks of the office.

That is why I am asking you to join me in supporting State Representative Jessica Miranda for appointment to the position of County Auditor. Rep. Miranda has demonstrated her commitment to transparency, accountability, and service in every step of her career. She has put politics aside to work on behalf of her constituents. She has the background, talent, and knowledge to excel in this position.

Rep. Jessica Miranda has extensive experience in the public and private sectors.Rep. Miranda has served in the Statehouse since 2018 and was elected by her peers to serve as the Ohio House Democratic Whip. Rep. Miranda is a small business owner providing insurance and tax services to middle- and working-class families. She is an award-winning Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Broker and holds numerous IRS certifications. Rep. Miranda previously served on the Winton Woods School Board, including as its President. Rep. Miranda and her husband, Jose, are the parents of three daughters, homeowners, and committed entrepreneurs in the City of Forest Park, dedicated to building a stronger and more prosperous community.

Rep. Miranda is highly qualified for the role of Auditor. Because of her experience in the Legislature, Rep. Miranda has a deep understanding of how statewide policy is crafted and the most effective strategies for advocacy. This is important as Auditor because the office functions as an administrative arm of the Legislature; any substantive changes in policy must be made at the State level.

Rep. Miranda’s experience as a small business owner gives her invaluable experience into managing a large team that is required to fulfill important projects. As a former School Board Member and President, Rep. Miranda has a deep understanding of school funding, which is the largest portion of tax distribution for most property owners in Hamilton County, and how the unconstitutional formula impacts property taxes. In all these roles, Rep. Miranda knows that the government and elected officials work for the taxpayer. That is why she values the importance of constituent services, transparency, and accountability, and why she has received many awards honoring her work in each of these positions.

Please join me in supporting Rep. Jessica Miranda for the appointment to Hamilton County Auditor. I am happy to further discuss why Rep. Miranda is the best person for this role; please contact me at brigidkelly24@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Brigid Kelly: What her resignation letter said