A family tradition continues.

For the past couple of decades, the name Patterson has been a fixture on Lawrence County ballots. The late George Patterson served as county commissioner longer than anyone in history. Next year, the name Patterson will again be on the ballot.

Mike Patterson, a Democrat of Kitts Hill, son of the late commissioner, is seeking voter’s approval to be the next clerk of courts.

“I’ve always had the desire to run and to do the clerk’s job. I want to make sure money stays in Lawrence County as far as auto titles are concerned,” he said. “I want to work with the lawyers and judges and find the best route to make things work smoothly and efficiently.”

Taking advice from his late father, Patterson filed early— he turned in his necessary documents in September.

Besides public service, there is something else he said he shares with his late father, the love of God, family, honesty and integrity.

“I think if you put God first everything will fall into place,” he said.

A case manager for the Lawrence County Department of Jobs and Family Services, Patterson is a member of the Symmes Valley Board of Education. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married 14 and have twin sons. They are in the process of adopting a daughter.

He faces Republican opposition from Rome Township Clerk Cheryl Jenkins.