Commissioners Kelly Jones, Barbara Moore and Diane Ward, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, and Economic and Community Development Director Paul Worley. (Photo by Sherry Larson)
Congressman Wenstrup visits June 30 meeting
By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
Congressman Brad Wenstrup briefly joined the Adams County Commissioners and Economic and Community Development Director Paul Worley on Friday, June 30. Wenstrup spent a few minutes with Worley reviewing a map of the Winchester Industrial Park, followed by opening the Commissioner’s meeting with prayer.
Wenstrup said he wanted to hear from the Commissioners and answer any questions. He stated that he was excited about the sewer and water initiatives taking place in Adams County. He discussed fighting for appropriations and emphasized the importance of health and safety.
Commissioner Ward said, “We want our children to be able to stay in Adams County.” She mentioned the recent funding awarded to Adams County Regional Water. She told Wenstrup, “We are very grateful for all the efforts you and your office have put forward.”
Wenstrup discussed the expansion of the workforce and housing issues. He said, “I found in many areas in the district that housing is a problem, so I want to make sure we have decent housing for the workforce.”
Wenstrup is on the road much of the time visiting districts. But he will make himself available. He said he is happy to get together via Zoom even if he is in D.C.
The meeting continued after Wenstrup’s departure. Prosecutor David Kelley called in regarding his retirement effective at midnight on June 30. The Commissioners went into executive session to discuss an Acting Prosecutor appointment.
When the Commissioners reconvened, they announced that they had received one letter of interest for the position of Acting Prosecutor. The letter came from the current Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Aaron Haslam, who has been conducting business on Kelley’s behalf during his absence.
Commissioner Barbara Moore motioned to appoint Haslam as the Acting Prosecuting Attorney, saying, “To fill the likely what’s going to be a 27-day ‘roughly’ process for the Central Committee to appoint someone to fill the unexpired term.” Solicitor Randalyn Worley read the legal language about the appointment.
Moore said, “I would move to appoint Aaron Haslam as Acting Prosecuting Attorney pursuant to 305.02 D of the Ohio Revised Code.” Kelly Jones seconded the motion.
Ward asked for a discussion regarding Moore’s motion of appointment. Moore said, “In light of having one applicant, it seems clear that he is the only option, and having worked with Aaron in the past, I think he will do a great job. I understand he has recently relocated here. Again, he’s from Adams County, and I know that he has Adams County’s best interests at heart and will perform the duties of Prosecutor in a way that we can all be proud to be in Adams County.”
Commissioner Ward shared a written statement, “Mr. Haslam’s ‘Letter of Interest’ for the position of ‘Interim Adams County Prosecutor’ should not be considered because he currently resides with his family in Indian Hill, Ohio, in Hamilton County. He now claims his legal address is 515 East Mulberry Street, Apt. A, West Union, Ohio, even though he does not reside at the claimed address, which just happens to be the same address that Prosecutor David Kelley claimed, even though he has resided in Arizona for the past several months. Mr. Haslam has not been an Adams County, Ohio, resident since February 2011, and his request should be classified as ineligible. I will not support his request, which is a misleading claim, and I refuse to mislead the people of Adams County.”
Barbara Moore and Kelly Jones voted yes to the appointment, and Diane Ward voted no. “Ward said, “The motion is approved, and Aaron Haslam will be our Acting Prosecuting Attorney until the Republican Committee makes a decision.”
