Marion County Republican Party officers were elected and Central and Executive committeemen were sworn in by Judge Robert Fragale at the bi-annual re-organizational meeting Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at GOP headquarters. All positions are for a four-year term beginning this year.
John R. Matthews II, of Caledonia, begins his first 4-year term after serving four 2-year terms. Matthews said he wanted to stress more active participation with the voters in each precinct and recruiting volunteers to grow the party.
Serving with him are Kenneth Stiverson as first vice chairman after serving a term as second vice chairman. Newly elected second vice chairman is Gary Risch. Marden Watts, begins his 15th year as treasurer; Sharon Russell, secretary, starts her 16th year and Mary Shafer, parlimentarian, is starting her ninth year.
Matthews appointed Joan Steward as chairwoman, commencing her 21st year, and the chairman appointed Tom Oyster to a new position of sergeant-at-arms.
Matthews is a life-long resident of the county, and a 1984 graduate of Harding High School as well as a 1989 graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.A. degree. Since 2011 he has been Director of Claims Support for the Ohio Industrial Commission. He was elected this month to his second term on the Ohio Republican Party Central Committee serving the 26th District. He and his wife, Susan, have three sons. Matthews represents Tully Township as committeeman.
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