The Geauga County Republican Central Committee is poised to meet Tuesday to appoint a new county commissioner.

We know that an appointment is needed after Commissioner Bill Young retired from his seat effective June 30. The unexpired term runs through Dec. 31, 2014, so the person appointed could serve through that time.

After Young’s resignation became effective, the Committee has five to 45 days to appoint a new commissioner, according to state law.

When Young announced his retirement in April, I speculated that the appointment could go to Commissioner Mary Samide, who lost her bid for re-election to Ralph Spidalieri in the March 6 Republican Party primary.

Samide’s current term as commissioner is set to expire Jan. 2. But Samide could resign and then switch seats if she was appointed by county Republicans to fill the remainder of Young’s term.

That would also create a new vacancy as Samide’s term would need filled. Who could be appointed to fill the last months?

Spidalieri has said he does not want an appointment, rather he wants to be elected and is on the Nov. 6 ballot facing Democrat Christopher John Lacny, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Among names that have floated around as possible appointees for commissioner are Newbury Trustee Jan Blair, Jim McConnell of Chester Township, and South Russell Village Councilman Jim Flaiz.

How about former state Rep. Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney, R-Bainbridge Township? 

She agreed to resign her position in Columbus after the Ohio House GOP agreed to appoint the March 6 winner of the Ohio House of Representatives 76th District Republican primary to serve as the 98th House District state representative.

State Rep. Matt Lynch, R-Bainbridge Township, won that race, and he was appointed to serve the remainder of the 98th House District term that expires this year.

As the 76th House District GOP primary winner, Lynch appears on the Nov. 6 ballot as the party nominee. He’s running against Tom Warren, a Russell Township Democrat who was unopposed in March.

What if Lynch were appointed as commissioner? Probably not likely, but if that were to happen, then another appointment would be necessary to fill Lynch’s GOP nomination as the 76th House District candidate. Then another possible appointment would be needed to fill Lynch’s term for the 98th House District.

My prediction is Samide gets the appointment, but surprising things always seem to happen involving Geauga County politics.

Candidate announces

Eastlake Council President Dennis Morley announced he intends to run for Eastlake mayor next year.

Fundies

n David Fiebig, candidate for Lake County commissioner, golf outing Friday at Black Brook golf course in Mentor 9:30 a.m. start, 5 p.m. dinner. See Dale Fellows or Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

n Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski eighth annual golf outing 8:30 a.m. shotgun start Friday at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

n Fundraiser for Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 16 at the home of Judy and Roger Sustar, with special guest U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette. See Susan Culotta.

n Susan McGuinness, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 61, hosts a summer BBQ at 5:30 p.m. July 19 at Perry Township Park. See Lindsay D. Baruffa.

n Geauga County Sheriff Daniel McClelland hosts 2012 Rib Dinner, 6 to 8 p.m. July 20 at Troy Community House in Troy Township. See Craig Richter.

n State Rep. Ron Young hosts a fundraiser with special guest Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Bill Batchelder from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23 at Young’s home in Leroy Township. See Young.

n Fifth annual golf outing of the Geauga County Democratic Party with a shotgun start at noon and dinner at 6 p.m. July 29 at Pleasant Hill Golf Course in Chardon. See Dave Netzband.

  

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah