The Duties Of Elected County Commissioners In The State Of Ohio

One of the most significant elected positions on the county level in the State of Ohio is that of county commissioner. Details of how boards of commissioners operate, are paid, and their duties are outlined and enacted by the Ohio legislature, which is located in the state capital of Columbus.

Ohio has 88 counties in total, and in the vast majority of those counties, the head administrative body is an elected board of three county commissioners. In many cases, these elected officials are elected to four-year terms, although they are usually not all elected during the same year. A common "staggering" of their terms requires two of the board members to be elected during presidential election years, while the one remaining office holder is chosen by voters during off-year (non-presidential) years.

A board of county commissioners is more than just a legislative body; it acts as the chief administrative body for the entire county government. In Ohio, your commissioners are responsible for putting together and approving a yearly county budget; setting hiring and staff policies for departments; all of the purchase orders; and even appropriating taxpayer funds to the right department heads.

Additionally, in most counties, the actual property titles that are owned by county government are held in name by this elected board of three representatives. An effective county commissioner in Ohio usually is able to understand a broad scope of topics including law enforcement (county sheriff departments) and business development (since they are responsible for additional sources of government revenue, as well).

Taxing authority and budgeting decisions are not the only area of concern for your county commissioners. They are also called upon (in many of the 88 counties) to oversee additional functions of the government that include but aren't limited to annexation, waste disposal and recycling, public water and sewer issues, and the broadcasting of their own public meetings and hearings for the general public.

Because of the significant duties that this group of three elected office holders has in county administration, it's important that the voting populace learns as much as they can about the candidates before choosing the most qualified representative. The State of Ohio grants commissioners a substantial amount of authority in the decision making process behind spending of taxpayer funds, disbursement of funds to different departments, and safety of local families.

If you are interested in learning more about how your local commissioners board operates, it's best to attend one of their regularly-scheduled public meetings (which are required by law). Citizens are allowed and encouraged to interact directly with their elected officials and make their voice heard during public hearings and meetings.

Please find out more about the board of Lorain County Commissioners to get a better background on the duties of these elected officials. One of the members of this board is Commissioner Ted Kalo.

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Prince George's residents take arrest of county executive Johnson personally - Washington Post

Given that Prince George's County residents had largely said their goodbyes to Jack B. Johnson, whose eight years as county executive end in three weeks, news of his arrest on criminal charges might have been shrugged off as yesterday's news.

But then out spilled the allegations in Johnson's arrest - almost $80,000 in cash collected from wife Leslie Johnson's bra, an $100,000 check flushed down the toilet of his Mitchellville home as FBI agents stood outside.

For many residents, the events Friday made the end of his term painful. Supporters had seen his survival through years of swirling rumors of corruption as a symbol of the county's scrappy quest for respect.

Even some detractors of Johnson (D) seemed deflated by the news and wondered: If he had to go down, did it have to be like this?

"People are taking this very personally," said Angelo Vaughn, 53, as he worked on the engine of his red Jeep Cherokee with two cousins in Hyattsville on Sunday. "My wife is taking this very personally, and she never met Jack Johnson. How could a person in such a vaunted position, weeks before the end of his term, get caught?"

"People are saying this is so embarrassing," he said.

Authorities say Johnson's arrest is part of a four-year federal investigation of allegations that developers have paid bribes in exchange for official favors from Prince George's officials.

Johnson and his wife, who was elected to the County Council in November, have been charged with destroying evidence and tampering with witnesses. U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein said Friday that more arrests and charges are likely, which has many developers and elected leaders worried about the scope of the investigation.

At a news conference after he was released from custody, Johnson said he is innocent and will be vindicated when the facts of the case come out.

All weekend, in front yards, in church parking lots, on street corners and in diners, Prince George's residents were talking more privately than publicly about Johnson's plight. Many spoke in hushed tones, and some asked not to be quoted.

"The people are hurt," Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene W. Grant said. "They are also angry. They are angry at the investigators and the timing. They're angry at the people who put themselves in this position. We were the shining example of black intellect and black wealth in the country. We are the place where people in the country looked to. Now, the national reputation is based upon disgrace, ineffective leadership and corruption."

Louise Reeder, 71, lived in the county for more than 10 years before moving to the District but returns on Sundays to attend Kent Baptist Church in Hyattsville.

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Reaction to the arrest of Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson - Washington Post

"My concern is what will be the impact of this for our children who need role models so bad. I have spent years teaching young people the importance of being honest, trustworthy and being good citizens."

Eugene Williams, 68, English teacher at Annapolis Road Academy in Bladensburg

"I am saddened; I am shocked; I am dismayed. We need to be in prayer for our county executive, our first lady and for the citizens of Prince George's County. At this point the situation is so fluid, it is hard, even inappropriate, to predict the ultimate outcome of what is going on."

The Rev. Jonathan Weaver, pastor of Greater Mount Nebo AME Church in Bowie and head of Collective Banking Group, an organization of 200 churches focused on bringing development to Prince George's

"This is a sad day for Prince George's County, and for County Executive Johnson and his family. Now more than ever, it's important that all of us who have worked together to move the county forward renew our efforts and continue on our path of progress, even in difficult times."

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley

"He's a good man. He's the same as my son. I thought that they were having a party."

Helen Berger, who lives doors away from the Johnsons and watched as events unfolded Friday

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