As a result of Genoa Township Trustee Rick Carfagna’s election to the Ohio House of Representatives, a process has begun to appoint his replacement. Qualified residents with an interest in carrying out Carfagna’s unexpired term from Jan.1 through Dec. 31, 2017, were asked to apply for the position by Dec. 1.

The process resulted in 23 applicants who were reviewed by remaining Trustees Karl Gebhardt and Frank Dantonio. Narrowing the field of applicants, the trustees selected seven to move on to the next step in the appointment procedure.

The seven finalists are as follows: DebbieLee Doughery, Connie Goodman, Mark Harmon, Geoffrey Hetrick, Shawn Priebe, Jill Rudler and Melissa Yost.

“It was encouraging to see so many individuals who were qualified and enthusiastic to serve their community and it was a difficult process to identify the seven finalists,” said Dantonio. “Trustee Gebhardt and I will learn more about each finalist through the public presentations and interview processes as we continue to move forward to appointing Genoa Township’s next trustee.”

Finalists will have up to seven minutes to present their qualifications during a public meeting to be held on Dec. 15, 2016, and will interview privately in executive sessions with the two trustees. There will be no trustee discussion, questioning of the candidates or public comment at the Dec. 15 meeting.

Residents of Genoa Township are encouraged to express their support or opposition of a finalist(s) in writing or verbally to Township Administrator, Paul Wise at [email protected] and 614-568-2021. Comments will be compiled and shared with trustees.

Details of the Appointment Procedure can be reviewed online at www.GenoaTwp.com. The goal is to appoint a new Trustee by Dec. 31. However, if the trustees cannot agree to an appointment by Jan. 30, 2017, the unresolved appointment will be submitted to the Delaware County’s Probate Judge for resolution as per Ohio law.