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A former Clark County commissioner has been named chairman of the Clark County Democratic Party.
David Hartley will take over for Dale Henry, who recently resigned due to his candidacy for county commissioner.
Hartley resigned from his commission seat in March 2015 after having been in politics since 1973. He began first as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives until he was forced out by term limits.
He was elected to county commission in 2004, serving as the only Democrat with Republican County Commissioners John Detrick and Rick Lohnes.
Henry said Hartley’s experience will help the party move forward in a positive direction.
“I believe he has the confidence of the party to do the kinds of things that are going to cause some more cohesion, cause more collaboration and to cause more harmony in the party at a time when we’re preparing for the 2016 election,” Henry said.
Henry said Hartley was the lone nominee for the position.
He could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
Henry, a former Springfield mayor and city commissioner, was named party chairman in 2013. He resigned from that post Nov. 18.
Henry also resigned from his position as a member of the board of elections on Wednesday.
The person who takes over as the Democratic Party head will also become a member of the board of elections, according to Ted McClenen, Clark County Democratic Party central committee chairman and board of elections member.
McClenen praised Henry for his service.
“Dale Henry’s done an outstanding job as party chair and for the board of elections. He’s done a good job at it. He’s decided that he wants to move on … and is headed for the seat on commission. I’m sure he’ll do well wherever he goes in the political arena,” McClenen said.
Henry is one of several area residents seeking a Clark County Commission seat.
Longtime County Commissioner John Detrick won’t seek re-election after serving on the board for nearly 20 years.
His departure, along with Hartley’s resignation earlier this year, means two seats will be up for grabs on the November 2016 ballot.
Among those who also plan to run are Clark County Commissioner David Herier (who was appointed to Hartley’s seat), former Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Darrell Jackson, New Carlisle Mayor Lowell McGlothin, former Clark County Department of Job and Family Services Director Bob Suver and public relations business owner Melanie Flax Wilt.
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