New Logan County Board begins year

Board hears candidates interested in open seat

[December 12, 2008]  It was the first meeting of the newly seated Logan County Board, with four new members, but one seat now empty. Bill Martin, Jan Schumacher, Dave Hepler and Terry Carlton took their seats with the six senior board members -- Rick Aylesworth, Bob Farmer, Gloria Luster, Pat O'Neill, Chuck Ruben and Terry Werth -- at the board-of-the-whole meeting on Thursday evening. John Stewart was absent.

Simultaneous with the newly elected members beginning their terms, board member Michael McIntosh gave up his seat in District 6, effective Nov. 29. McIntosh began duties as Logan County's state's attorney on Dec 1. It was considered a potential conflict of interest to serve both positions.

When a board seat comes open, it is the chairman who makes a recommendation, which gets final approval by the board. Former county board chairman Dick Logan advocated a decision by the new chairman and board members, recognizing that they would be the ones working together.

At the Dec.1 reorganization meeting, Terry Carlton was elected new board chairman. He asked for individuals interested in the open position to contact him and submit their background that would show their qualifications. Since it is to finish out a term, the candidate would not only need to be from District 6, but also Republican. Two years remain in that term.

When traditional board business had been concluded Thursday night, Carlton presented four candidates to the board: Stacy Martin, Victor Martincic, Ron Keller and Mike Miller. Their resumes were provided to board members. Then, while other candidates waited outside the chambers, each of the individuals was asked to tell how they felt qualified, their interests in the community and what strengths they thought they would bring to the position.

The board then went into executive session to discuss the matter. Carlton is expected to have a recommendation for the board to vote on at Tuesday's adjourned session.

[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]