Portsmouth business man Ron Hadsell officially kicked-off his campaign for Ohio State Representative Thursday afternoon.

Hadsell, who is vice president for business development at Hadsell Development and a project manager and chief estimator for J & H Erectors, made the announcement while standing in front of Ironton High School, which his company is building.

The Democratic candidate for the 89th District made similar announcements at Manchester High School and Portsmouth High School, both schools that the company also constructed.

Hadsell told those gathered in Ironton that he wants to create jobs in southern Ohio.

“I believe now, especially now Adams, Lawrence and Scioto Counties need someone to represent them in Columbus who knows how to create jobs, good jobs, even in a very, very tough economy.”

Creating jobs is something he knows how to do, he said.

“That’s what I’m bringing to the table. I’m a business-savvy, worker friendly Democrat who knows how to create jobs because that’s what I do every day.”

Hadsell said one of his goals if he is elected is the establishment of a technology corridor along U.S. 52 and U.S. 23. His hope is to create good paying jobs.

It hurts to see people move to other places because they cannot find a job in the area, he said.

He also said he would like to see the district, which includes Scioto County and portions of Adams and Lawrence counties, receive more money from state government.

“We don’t feel like we’re getting our fair share,” he said.

Hadsell said many in this district are looking for answers.

“As I talk to people in the district, they’re scared and angry and looking for hope,” he said. “They see politics as usual as the problem and they need solutions.”

Hadsell, who has no previous experience in office, called himself a political outsider.

“It’s time for someone who knows how to create jobs in the real world,” he said. “That’s who I am and what’s why I’m running.”