Replacement for Pratt term would serve through 2020

The Lawrence County Republican Central Committee will meet on Thursday at the Lawrence County Courthouse to appoint a new county commissioner.

The meeting, set for 7 p.m. in Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Charles Cooper’s court chambers, is to fill the seat of Commission President Bill Pratt, who died on Dec. 7.

According to Ohio code, vacancies in countywide offices are filled by the executive committee of the party who nominated the officeholder. The person receiving a majority of the votes of the committee members present at the meeting will be appointed to the unexpired seat on the Board of Commissioners immediately. Members of the committee were notified via mail of the meting.

“Our hearts still break, and our prayers continue for Bill’s family,” Jason Stephens, Lawrence County Republican Executive Committee chairman, said. “However, in situations like this, the members of the Lawrence County Republican Central Committee have the difficult responsibility of filling the seat that is now vacant.”

Pratt who was in his second term would have been up for re-election in 2020. His replacement will serve the remainder of the term until Jan. 1, 2021.

“The job of county commissioner is very important to our county,” Stephens said. “With the holidays upcoming and the need to give the new commissioner as much time as possible to get up to speed with the issues facing the county, the meeting has been set to make this appointment this week.”