Clark County Board appoints Richard L. Lohnes as Acting County Commissioner

The Board of Clark County Commissioners on Jan. 2 passed Resolution 2026-0002 to acknowledge the resignation of Commissioner Melanie Flax-Wilt effective Dec. 31, 2025, and to appoint Richard L. Lohnes as Acting County Commissioner immediately upon the resolution’s passage.

"Once a commissioner resigns, the Board of Clark County Commissioners can appoint a commissioner to serve on the board until the central committee appoints their person," Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse said, noting the county was unsure which of two groups claiming the Republican Central Committee would ultimately make the appointment. Commissioner Charles A. Patterson moved the resolution and Commissioner Rittenhouse seconded it; the roll call vote recorded Patterson — Yes and Rittenhouse — Yes.

Patterson described the appointment as temporary by law and said the board chose someone with experience who would not "tip the scales for the primary election" in May. Lohnes told the board and the audience he does not intend to run for the office. The resolution states Lohnes will serve until the appointing central committee appoints an officer who qualifies and takes office per Ohio Revised Code Section 305.02.