Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) announced the process for appointing a successor to State Representative Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell).
Rep. Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) announced Thursday that he will be resigning from the #Ohio House effective Thursday, Oct. 3, to become president of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College.
— HannahNews (@HannahNews) September 26, 2019
Rep. Smith was elected to be “Speaker” in 2018 following the unceremonious departure of his predecessor, Cliff Rosenberger. “BREAKING: Ohio House Speaker Rosenberger resigns amid FBI probe. Kasich calls him a friend and valued partner,” Jim Siegel tweeted.
BREAKING: Ohio House Speaker Rosenberger resigns amid FBI probe. Kasich calls him a friend and valued partner https://t.co/iiuflovt7a
— Jim Siegel (@phrontpage) April 11, 2018
After elections in the fall of 2018, Householder joined forces with the Democrats and forced Smith out of the Speaker’s chair.
According to the blog announcement, a screening panel has been formed to interview candidates for the 93rd House District, which includes Gallia County, Jackson County, most of Lawrence County and part of Vinton County. The members appointed by Householder are Reps. Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester), Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton), Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) and Don Jones (R-Freeport).
The Speaker was quoted as saying, “We appreciate Representative Smith’s service in the People’s House. He has been a strong advocate for lifelong education for Ohio’s Appalachian region and I believe he has the experience to excel in his new role.”
Householder apparently sent a letter to Smith the day before the screening committee was revealed to the public. In a tweet about the letter, Darrel Rowland wrote, “Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder sends gracious letter to the speaker he ousted, Ryan Smith, who is resigning to become president of Rio Grande Community College
‘It’s just unfortunate that our paths met at a place and time that brought competition between us’.”
Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder sends gracious letter to the speaker he ousted, Ryan Smith, who is resigning to become president of Rio Grande Community College
"It's just unfortunate that our paths met at a place and time that brought competition between us."— Darrel Rowland (@darreldrowland) September 26, 2019
The House posted details for applicants on their blog: “Individuals interested in being considered for appointment to the unexpired term in the 93rd House District should email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] by October 4th. Interviews will be conducted on October 7th.”
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Beth Lear is a reporter at The Ohio Star. Follow Beth on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
