FRANK MULHOLLAND - Daily Union Managing Editor
Circuit Court Judge Michael Kiley swore-in the newly elected county officers and county board members at a ceremony held Monday, December 1. That ceremony was held in Courtroom A in the Shelby County Courthouse.
The newly elected county officers are Brian Green - Coroner; Diana Wagner - Supervisor of Assessments; Susan Arthur - Circuit Clerk; and Allan Lolie - State’s Attorney.
“I really appreciate the voters’ confidence in me,” said Lolie. “Being a prosecutor is the career path I have chosen and I am happy the voters have allowed me to continue to serve.”
Lolie is serving a unprecedented third consecutive term as the State’s Attorney.
Brian Green was elected Coroner for a sixth term. He was first elected to the position in 1988.
“I am very pleased and proud to be elected coroner,” said Green. “I will work to operate the office in a compassionate and effective manner as I have done in the past. I look forward to working for the citizens of Shelby County for another four years.”
After the swearing-in ceremony the county board held their organizational meeting at 9 a.m. At the meeting, board member Paul Brooks was elected chairman and Dick Clark vice-chairman. George Frazier has served as county board chairman for 6 years but choose not to run for that office this time.
“I am not running for chairman again because of health reasons,” said Frazier. “I think Paul (Brooks) will do a wonderful job for the county and I am looking forward to helping him in any way I can.”
Frazier reflected on the past six years and the major hurdles the board has overcome in his tenure.
“This board working collectively together has served the county very well,” said Frazier. “They have solved a lot of major problems that are behind us now. Barring another catastrophe like the courthouse fire or something, I foresee that the county should have smooth sailing for the future. I feel that most of the major issues we faced are behind us now.”
Brooks said he feels good about being elected chairman of the board.
“I am a little apprehensive because of my lack of experience, but I am doing this for one reason only and that is for the good of the county,” said Brooks. “I look forward to the challenges of the office and working with the entire board.”
Dick Clark said he is honored to be elected vice-chairman.
“I feel I can work with Paul (Brooks) real well and will work to keep the board working as it has in the past and keep the county’s budget in line,” said Clark.
Two new county board members were sworn-in for their first term. They are Bruce Cannon, (R) who was elected from District 2 and lives in the Findlay area. Cannon replaces Ralph May who chose not to run this time.
The other new county board member is Dale Wetherell (R) from District 6 and replaces Floyd Storm whom he defeated in the general election. Wetherell lives in the Stewardson area.
Cannon said his agenda for the board is to just learn what the board does.
“I want to learn where I can best benefit the board,” said Cannon. “My main concern for the county is employment opportunities.”
Wetherell said his main concern for the board is to control spending.
“If we have the money, we will spend it and if we don’t have the money I don’t plan on spending money,” said Wetherell.
