Auditor-elect will not take oath of office

Cites health reasons for resignation

Lake County Auditor-Elect Edward Zupancic, who has served as auditor for 32 years, has decided he will not take the oath of office for his upcoming term commencing March 11.

Due to an unspecified health concern, Zupancic, 68, resigned his then-current term in

January, but detailed in a letter to the Lake County commissioners that he would serve his new term, which he won in the Nov. 6 General Election.

However, in another letter issued to the commissioners, dated Feb. 23, Zupancic stated he has decided to “concentrate” on his recovery with his family and “look to the future which requires me to resign as Auditor-Elect ....

“I am resigning immediately so that the Lake County Republican (Party) Central Committee may begin the process to find and appoint my replacement.”

The committee is empowered to choose its own officer pursuant to Ohio Revised Code.

Michele Pennell, who previously was chief deputy auditor, had been appointed Auditor to fill out Zupancic’s expiring term. But effective March 11, the 40-year-old will be considered the acting Auditor until the committee convenes on March 27 to choose a lasting replacement.

The officer selected by the committee will hold the Auditor position until November of 2020, when the next general election for state and county offices takes place.

“I understood the role when I accepted it,” Pennell said. “I am very grateful once again for the Lake County commissioners’ vote of confidence in me. However,

Michele Pennell, who previously was chief deputy auditor, had been appointed Auditor to fill out Zupancic’s expiring term. But effective March 11, the 40-yearold will be considered the acting Auditor until the committee convenes on March 27 to choose a lasting replacement.

I currently have no plans to pursue the permanent role of Lake County Auditor and I am looking forward to supporting the new Auditor that is chosen.”

According to Committee Chair Dale Fellows, Pennell will resume her duties as chief deputy auditor after the selection.

Pennell has served as chief deputy auditor under Zupancic since May 2016 and ran the day-to-day duties of the office in his absence. She was also deputy auditor for Geauga County for nearly five years.

“I am very fortunate to have been able to work directly with Ed and feel many of his leadership qualities will remain with me for the rest of my career,” Pennell said.

Commissioner Jerry Cirino said the board accepted Zupancic’s resignation with “great regret.”

“The voters resoundingly re-elected him and he’s been such a great member of the county team, working to run a good ship for so long, and we certainly understand the decision,” Cirino added. “His health and his family are top priority, and we wish them all the best.

“And we appreciate Auditor Pennell stepping up, once again, for an interim period of time until the Republican Central Committee can follow the Ohio Revised Code and approach to appointing someone for the term that will be up in 2020.”

Lake County Democratic Party Chair Tom Tagliamonte also expressed well wishes for Zupancic, adding the additional county ballot, originally a four-year term, will come sooner than anticipated.

“The only thing is someone now will be chosen for a two-year term with no elector’s vote in Lake County whatsoever, but that’s part of the law, which we respect,” Tagliamonte said. “In any event, we respect Ed and we’re sorry to hear about his illness. He’s served the county for years and we hope for him a good retirement.”

Anyone interested in being considered for the position, Fellows noted, is encouraged to send an email to chairman@lakegop.com indicating their interest.

Zupancic