“I was ready,” Metzger said. “I have served about 45 years in public service in total. It was time.”
Metzger was facing a Democratic challenger, Michelle Harris, in March’s primary election — which was postponed and is continuing now through absentee ballots only until April 28. However, Metzger said he made the decision to withdraw from the race “about a month ago,” after he decided to retire.
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“Mrs. Harris works in my office and does a fantastic job,” Metzger said.
The Clark County Commission voted on Wednesday in favor of Harris serving as treasurer in the interim while the Clark County Democratic Party Central Committee looks into options for who will complete Metzger’s term, a statement from the Clark County Democratic Party said.
According to the statement, the Democratic Party Central Committee has not yet scheduled a meeting to vote on Metzger’s temporary replacement and has 45 days to do so under state law.
“Normally we would do it very soon, but with the current situation we are proceeding cautiously,” the statement said.
Prior to his election as treasurer, Metzger served in Clark County Common Pleas Court and seven years as a certified state examiner with the Auditor of State of Ohio. He is also a member of the Treasurer’s Association of Ohio Legislative Committee.
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There have been only three treasurers to serve in Clark County since 1933, Metzger said.
“It’s been a long run for the three of us. We have all worked to maintain the same business of caring for the public’s funds,” Metzger said.
Metzger said he has no big plans for retirement.
“Just spend time with family. Public service life has been good to me and my family has been very blessed,” Metzger said. “I thank the public for giving me the opportunity to serve them and I hope I have done a fair job.”
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