Uhrichsville, Ohio - The city has a new law director to handle its legal affairs, and he’s no stranger to the Twin Cities community. 

Attorney JJ Ong was hired by council Thursday to replace outgoing law director Brett Hillyer as he leaves to begin his new role representing the state’s 98th House District. 

Ong is a lifelong resident of Dennison and a partner at the law firm Connolly, Hillyer and Ong. He says he learned about the opening shortly after the election and thought it seemed like a good opportunity. 

“This is where I grew up, went to school and moved back here. This opportunity came up. Brett approached me about it, so it just made sense,” he says.

Ong is also the solicitor for the Village of Dennison, and he says that experience will serve him well in his new role as Uhrichsville’s law director.

“I’ve got a lot of experience in municipal government. I’ve done this for years and years. The city of Uhrichsville has numerous contract that they do. I’ve got a lot of experience dealing with those issues. They, of course, have employment issues with their union, and I’ve been involved in union negotiations for years and years,” he says.

Ong is a Claymont graduate and parent. When he’s not practicing law, he can be found coaching the high school mock trial teams and volunteering at athletic events.

“I run the scoreboard at the basketball games. I’m the PA announcer for football, so I’ve sort of been involved in all things related to the Twin Cities for years and years,” he says.

Councilman Eric Harmon says Ong’s legal expertise and commitment to the Twin Cities community made him an ideal fit for the position. 

“JJ has a long career of public service, and we feel he’ll be great for the city of Uhrichsville, and he’ll serve the residents very well,” he says.

Ong stepped into his new role today and will also continue to serve as Dennison’s solicitor. Hillyer will start in Columbus on January 7th.

STACEY CARMANY, TUSCO TV