Monday, April 21st, 2014
Long tapped to fill board seat
By William Kincaid
CELINA - Phil Long of Celina has been appointed to the Mercer County Board of Elections to complete the unexpired four-year term of Mark Giesige.
The Mercer County Democrats' executive committee recently recommended Long to fill the vacancy left by Giesige, who resigned at the end of March to focus on his work with the Missionaries of Precious Blood.
Secretary of State Jon Husted made the announcement Friday.
State law requires bipartisan representation on county boards of elections - two Republican and two Democratic members.
Long, 59, is a retired teacher who taught in Celina's elementary and intermediate schools for over 35 years.
"I believe so much in the value of voting, and I taught social studies and always tried to impress that with the students, the importance of voting in a democracy," Long said this morning.
Long said he wanted to share his enthusiasm and explore the voting process in Mercer County.
"I want to ensure all the rights and privileges of the citizens," he said.
Long will serve the two remaining years on Giesige's term.
Also serving on the board is Democrat and retired teacher Bill Sell, and Republican members Toni Slusser and Del Kramer, both of Celina.
Sell, also a Celina City councilman, was recently appointed to another term. Kramer also was recently appointed to another term, and Slusser has two more years on her term, according to board director Laura Bruns.
The board will convene for a special meeting at 10 a.m. April 29 to reorganize, a process required each time a change in membership occurs. Members at that time likely will vote on a policy to swap every two years the roles of the director and deputy director.
