Clark County commissioners appoint Richard L. Lohnes as acting commissioner

The Clark County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 2, 2026, to appoint Richard L. Lohnes as Acting County Commissioner under Resolution 2026-0002. Commissioner Charles A. Patterson moved the resolution and Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse seconded; roll call votes were Patterson Yes and Rittenhouse Yes, and the measure passed.

Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse, president of the board, said the appointment is temporary under Ohio law and will remain in place "until the appointing central committee appoints an officer who qualifies and takes office," noting the county observed there are two groups that identify as the Republican Central Committee and the board must ensure it can continue to conduct business in the meantime. Commissioner Patterson said the board intentionally selected someone with prior commission-office experience who would not affect the May primary.

Richard L. Lohnes, appointed immediately upon passage of the resolution, told the audience he has no intention of running for commissioner when asked during the public comment period.

The resolution cites Section 305.02 of the Ohio Revised Code as the statutory basis for the temporary appointment. The resolution was introduced and discussed as part of a special session called under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22 (Sunshine Law).

The appointment enables the board to maintain a full quorum for routine business while the appointing central committee proceeds under state law to select a long-term successor. The board did not set a date for the central committees action; commissioners said that process is outside the boards control and will determine the final officeholder. The board adjourned after completing the special session's items.