Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) released the following statements regarding the current and pending vacancies in the House Republican Caucus and the process for replacing each member:

Former Rep. Todd McKenney (R-New Franklin) was appointed earlier this month to serve as Summit County Probate Judge, creating a vacancy in the 43rd House District.

Residents of the 43rd House District who wish to be considered for the appointment should provide a letter of interest to Speaker Batchelder at 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 by this Friday, December 2, 2011 at 5:00pm. Applicants may also email their letter to Speaker Batchelder at District69@ohr.state.oh.us.

The panel of five Republican House members, which the Speaker will name at a later date, will begin interviewing applicants in Columbus who meet the December 2 deadline next week at a time to be announced. A full vote will be taken by the Republican caucus and the new member is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in the week of December 12 during a scheduled House Session.

It was announced today that Rep. John Carey (R-Wellston) has been hired as the assistant to the president for Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives at Shawnee State University, effective January 1, 2012.

“John Carey is a dear friend and has been an incredibly valuable member of our caucus this session and in his previous service in the legislature,” Speaker Batchelder said. “The only person to serve as the chairman of the both the House and Senate Finance Committees during their legislative career, Rep. Carey’s expertise on the budget, education, and a host of other issues will be sorely missed. Our loss is Shawnee State’s gain. Our entire caucus and I are very grateful for his service and wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

The Speaker will convene a screening panel at the beginning of 2012 after the seat becomes vacant. Details on panelists and a timeline for a subsequent appointment will follow at a later date.

On November 8, 2011, Rep. Richard Hollington (R-Hunting Valley) was elected to serve as Mayor of Hunting Valley beginning in January.

“I have known Dick Hollington since my first term in the Ohio House over 40 years ago and I have been honored to have him as a member of our caucus,” Speaker Batchelder said. “He has answered the call to service not once, but twice, in the 98th House District in recent years and his leadership on a host of issues, particularly in finance, has been extraordinary. I am grateful for his service to the people of the 98th House District and I know he is honored for the opportunity to serve the people of Hunting Valley as mayor.”

As with Rep. Carey’s pending departure, the Speaker will convene a screening panel at the beginning of 2012 after the seat becomes vacant. Details on panelists and a timeline for a subsequent appointment will follow at a later date.