Rossford attorney John D. Garand announced that he is seeking election as the Wood County prosecuting attorney. ''I want to see the restoration of credibility of and confidence in the Wood County Prosecuting Attorney's office," he said. "When you turn to the prosecuting attorney for help - whether you are a crime victim, a parent seeking enforcement of your child support order, a police officer seeking to make your case, or a county, township or school official seeking advice - you have a right to expect polite, prompt and respectful service. I'm prepared to work full-time to see that those reasonable expectations are met," Garand said.

"I've been involved in community, school and church service, but I have never felt a burning need to run for public office. I did not plan to do so this year. I was aware of the problems in the prosecuting attorney's office. I assumed that the record of the incumbent would produce a large number of other qualified challengers, both Democratic and Republican, filing for the office by January 29th. Unfortunately that did not happen. In the intervening days since, I have had conversations with friends, colleagues in both parties, as well as law enforcement officers and Wood County Democratic Party Leaders. All are unanimous in their opinion that great change is needed in this most important office."

"Wood County parents have the right to expect that their children will be safe from drugs, violence and gangs. Law-abiding citizens have the right to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. My family knows what it means to be impacted by violent crime." Garand received his B.A. degree from Bowling Green State University in 1965. He received his law degree from the University of Toledo in 1970. He was prosecutor of the Oregon Municipal Court for six years. He has served as an acting judge in the Perrysburg Municipal Court. He is a member of local and Michigan Bar Associations. Prior to becoming an attorney, Garand was hearing officer with NLRB. He is the past parish president at what is now the combined All Saints Parish in Rossford, the Diocesan Pastor Council and Grand Master of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He has also been active in community theater groups. Garand and his wife, Sharon, have four grown children and four grandchildren. Their oldest daughter, Jennifer lives in Iowa; their son Douglas and daughter Julie reside in Rossford and their daughter Jill is a sophomore in Communications at Bowling Green State University.