By Patricia Beech-
Barbara Moore, a practicing attorney in West Union, has been chosen by the Adams County Republican Central Committee to fill the Board of Commissioner’s seat vacated by Brian Baldridge who was elected to the Ohio house in last November’s mid-term elections.
Moore was one of six highly qualified candidates that Republican committee members considered for the Commissioner’s seat in a vote held Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Olde Wayside Inn in West Union.
“I’m really excited,” Moore said Monday during her first official day on the job. “For now, I’m focused on learning the ropes because this is a completely different job than I’ve had as advocate for my legal clients.”
Despite the jobs’ differences, Moore believes her experience as an attorney allows her to hit the ground running in her new role as Commissioner.
“I have an understanding of the court system,” she said. “I’m also knowledgeable about how local government systems work. Someone brand new to the job may not have those advantages.”
Fellow Commissioner Ty Pell said he believes Moore will be a real asset to the board.
“With her expertise and experience as a lawyer, she brings a different level of government experience to the table,” Pell said. “She is a very intelligent person and we’re looking forward to working with her.”
Commissioner Diane Ward agreed, saying Moore’s addition to the Board is a plus for the county.
“We’re looking forward to working with her this year as we continue pursuing the county’s plans for the Winchester Industrial Park; the Utility Pipeline company that’s interested in bringing natural gas to the county; and further developing the Adams County Training Center,” said Commissioner Ward. “We’re very fortunate to have Barb on board working with us to bring these goals to fruition.”
Along with Moore’s appointment, committee members were tasked with filling one vacancy on the Board of Elections and three seats on their own Republican Central Committee.
For the Board of Elections (BOE) seat, Donna G. Gray of Green Township beat out George Timothy Lewis who has served as a BOE member for over three decades.
Members also selected Tony Staggs to represent South Liberty Township, and John Sheeley for North Liberty Township. For the Locust Grove precinct, members chose Sandra Douglas of Peebles.
Initially committee members had difficulty finding qualified individuals interested in representing the Locust Grove precinct in Franklin Township, according to Commissioner Diane Ward who lives in the area.
The absence of applicants led committee member, Commissioner Ty Pell, to request that Commissioner Ward consider submitting an application for the vacated seat.
“Several qualified individuals had been contacted by committee members and me, but no one was interested,” says Ward. “With all my responsibilities on the Board of Commissioners, I truly wasn’t interested in the seat, but Commissioner Pell persisted because he understands my commitment to serving the county. I felt it was my duty to step up and serve because I believe in Adams County and I believe in all of our people.”
Ward served 24 years as Franklin Township’s Fiscal Officer. She happily admits she was relieved when Douglas was selected to fill the Locust Grove seat.
“I commend and respect the Central Committee’s choice to appoint Sandy Douglas, knowing she will have the time to dedicate to the position,” Ward told the Defender on Monday. “Mrs. Douglas will do a wonderful job as a committee member.”
While some raised questions about the committee’s selection, suggesting that it was a rejection of a sitting commissioner, Ward dismisses the idea as ludicrous.
“I do not consider it a rejection by my committee, I consider it assistance from my committee in helping me to dedicate all of my time and efforts to serving the people of Adams County as their Commissioner,” she said. “I heartily extended my congratulations and encouragement to Mrs. Douglas.”
It is not a prerequisite to be a committee member, nor is it required that an elected official serve as a committee member.
Ward says she’s happy investing her time and energy as Commissioner to bring future progress to Adams County.
“I do what I believe is right for everyone, not just my party,” she says. “I work for the wonderful people of Adams County and thank them for placing their faith in me to not only serve them, but for allowing me to work with them to take Adams County into the future.”
Ward generously praises her fellow Commissioners’ enthusiasm and commitment.
“Adams County has a good solid team serving on the Board of Commissioners. We are all forward-thinking, hard-working, and dedicated to making the right decisions for the benefit of the whole county.”
