Barberton City Council swears in Shorter Griffin as president, elects Rebecca Gearhart as vice president

BARBERTON, Ohio — Barberton City Council convened an organizational meeting on Jan. 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to swear in newly elected members and choose internal leadership.

Tavia Galonski, Summit County Common Pleas Clerk of Courts, administered the oath of office to Shorter Griffin, who assumed the role of President of Council, and to Mr. Stoll and Mrs. Miller, who were seated as Councilpersons At Large.

President Griffin said the meeting would address two items: appointing a Clerk of Council and electing a Vice President. Rebecca Gearhart moved to nominate Laura Ries-Price as Clerk of Council, and Mr. Harris seconded the motion. The council voted and "All Members voted 'yea.'" The motion carried, and Galonski administered the oath of office to Laura J. Ries-Price as Clerk of Council.

Mrs. Miller nominated Rebecca Gearhart for Vice President of Council; Mr. Poorman nominated Emily Beck. The Clerk called the roll for each candidate, and by a majority vote Rebecca Gearhart was elected Vice President. Galonski then swore in Gearhart as Vice President of Council.

President Griffin thanked everyone for attending and urged civic participation, stating, "everyone should participate in government on any level." With a motion by Mr. Harris and second by Ms. Gearhart, the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

The organizational meeting completed routine leadership appointments and oaths; no other substantive business was conducted.