Biography

An Agricultural Heritage

David was born and raised in Greenfield, the son of John and Elizabeth Daniels.  He learned the value of family and hard work on his family’s 500-acre farm.  As a youth, David participated in 4-H, FFA, and Boy Scouts where he earned the Eagle Scout and God and Country Awards.  David graduated from McClain High School in 1975; he also attended Laurel Oaks Career Development Center where he was enrolled in the Farm Management Program.

Community Service

After high school, David joined his dad and uncle in the family farm business.  He moved into Greenfield in 1978 and continued working on the farm.  He was approached about running for Greenfield City Council in 1983 and was elected and served two terms.  During his tenure on council, he learned the fundamentals of local government while serving the community that was his home.  In 1987, David ran for and was elected Mayor of Greenfield where he served until 1995.  During this time, Greenfield bought and developed the Greenfield Industrial Park where several industries are currently located.  He also worked to form the Highland County Chamber of Commerce, helping to foster better communication and understanding among the cities and villages in the county as well as to unify them in a regional concept. He also worked on the Greenfield Area Medical Centers Renovation Project that still provides care to area residents.

County Commissioner

David was elected and served as Highland County Commissioner from 1997 until 2003.  As such, he was instrumental in the creation of Turning Point Applied Learning Center, a center to transition people from welfare to work.  He also worked to complete several public works projects such as the Rocky Fork Lake Sewer Project, the Highland County Justice Center, and the renovation of Greenfield City Hall.

The Statehouse

In 2002, David was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives where he is presently serving his fourth term.  David represents the 86th Ohio House District that includes Clinton, Highland, and Pike Counties.  During this time in the Legislature, David has worked on regulatory reform measures in the Bureau of Workers Compensation.  He was also the primary sponsor of the Telecom Reform bill in 126th General Assembly. This Act opened the door for investment in infrastructure development by the major telecom companies and also paved the way for competition in product deployment that offers choice to consumers in southern Ohio for a variety of telecommunication services. David has also worked to give citizens better access to primary eye care and worked to lower health care costs by passing HB 149 and 493 in the 127th General Assembly.  David has gained valuable knowledge from serving on the following committees,

• Insurance Committee
• Public Utilities Committee
• Financial Institutions
• Real Estate and Securities Committee
• Local Government and Urban Revitalization Committee
• Republican Caucus Policy Committee
• Chairman of the State Government and Elections Committee
• Election and Ethics Committee

David also served on the Southern Ohio Economic Development Foundation Board and was also appointed to serve on the Ohio Broadband Council.

Family

David is married to Karen S. Daniels.  They have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.