The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
New commissioner appointed
Former WH councilman John Plecnik secures seat
A Lake County commissioner seat was vacant for just over a month, but that is now a thing of the past as former Willoughby Hills Councilman John Plecnik was appointed to the seat Feb. 10 by the Lake County Republican Party.
The seat was previously held for five days by Jason A. Wuliger before his abrupt Jan. 7 resignation. He had cited “a serious family business matter” as the reason for his departure.
Ohio Revised Code allows for either the county’s Democratic or Republican Central Committee to appoint a successor depending on the party affiliation of the person being replaced. Wuliger is a Republican.
During the special inperson meeting held St. John Vianney Party Center in Mentor, with dozens of Zoom attendees, Plecnik, 37, defeated Painesville Township Trustee Charles “Chuck” Hillier by a count of 79-52, with four officers passing on the vote, according to official results from the Lake County Republican Party.
Plecnik, who resides in Willoughby Hills and is a professor at Cleveland– Marshall College of Law, will be paid an annual salary of $95,202, set by the state legislature, for 2021.
Lake County Republican Party Chair Dale Fellows noted Plecnik will have to run in the May 2022 primary election, and, if successful, the November 2022 general election for the final two years of the unexpired term.
Expressing gratitude to voters and his team, Plecnik said he’s ready to go to work immediately.
“I am so grateful for all the support I received from friends, family, neighbors, ministers, elected officials, (Republican Party) central committee members and all of Lake County,” he added.
Plecnik emphasized he’s also “forever indebted” to former Willoughby Hills Fire Chief Rich Harmon and to former student Matt Hebebrand.
“As a professor, there is no greater honor than the success and respect of your students,” he said.
“When I started this short campaign, I wanted what I want now, which is to help lead and move Lake County forward,” he added. “My priority, then and now, is economic development. Supporting local business starts local. That’s a fact.
“I plan to visit all 23 political subdivisions in the county to listen and help get what they need,” Plecnik asserted. “I am grateful to God for this chance and I look at this like a calling because I believe Lake County is the best place to live, work, play, and relax.”