Washington County resident Ronald Gregory Nohe was appointed to fill the vacant seat on the Washington County Commission. The Washington County Republican Party Central Committee met at the Emergency Operations Center on Thursday to vote on and appoint the next commissioner. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA – Washington County resident and former jail administrator Ronald Gregory Nohe was appointed to temporarily occupy the vacant position on the Washington County Board of Commissioners on Thursday evening.

“It’s time to get to work,” said Nohe. “I’m happy with the results.”

The Washington County Republican Party Central Committee met at the Emergency Operations Center to vote and appoint the next commissioner.

With 37 members present on the committee representing the 50 precincts, the members voted on three candidates. With 37 members voting, the candidate who receives 19 or more votes automatically wins. Nohe won after gaining 26 votes from the committee

“It’s an election, and you just don’t really know what to expect,” said Nohe.

The Washington County Republican Party Central Committee votes on the appointment of the commissioner to fill the vacant position on Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The other two candidates interested in the position were Darrell Huck and Scott Perry. After roll call of the committee members, each candidate was granted about five minutes to talk and answer any questions from the committee.

“I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to be considered to fill a vacant spot for the county commissioner,” said Huck.

Anyone who was eligible and interested in the position could run. Each candidate shared with the audience why they were interested and what they could bring to the position and the county.

Each candidate stood at the podium with diverse experiences from a bridge inspector to a former township trustee.

“I’m running because our county deserves steady leadership that works for everybody in the county and I’m ready to put that to work here,” said Perry.

Nohe, who lost in the 2024 Republican primary for sheriff, said Commissioners Charlie Schilling and Eddie Place had approached him and expressed their support for him to be in the position.

“I am grateful for their confidence in me, and they are correct, I am dedicated to this county,” he said.

After former Commissioner James Booth resigned with his last day in office Oct. 31, the central committee had 45 days to fill the seat.

Due to the timing of Booth’s resignation, the appointment of the position is temporary and will go on the ballot for the election November 2026.

Committee member Khadine Ritter asked each candidate if they had any intention of running for the election next November. Every candidate replied with confirmation they had intentions to run for the position next fall.

Committee Chairman Jim Vuksic curated the layout of the appointment and how they would go about voting, whether it was to stand or raise a hand.

“I want to make sure we’re not mixing anyone in the audience with the central committee,” he said.

The committee members were sectioned to one side of the assembly room.

Nohe said he will start his duties as county commissioner immediately.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com