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Munson trustee tapped as new county auditor
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - January 21, 2009)
Munson trustee tapped as new county auditor
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Munson Township Trustee Frank Gliha has been chosen to serve as Geauga County's auditor.
The central committee of the Geauga Republican Party unanimously elected Mr. Gliha to serve the remainder of the term of Geauga County Auditor Tracy Jemison. His term expires in 2010.
The post became open when Mr. Jemison was elected a Geauga County Commissioner in November's election.
"It's comforting to know that people have as much faith and respect for the office and me to have chosen me to serve," Mr. Gliha said.
More than 50 people representing the central committee attended last week's session to give their unanimous support, Mr. Gliha said.
But he will not officially take office until the paperwork clears the state offices. He said the secretary of state and Gov. Ted Strickland must sign off on the paperwork. He said he anticipates officially taking office by Feb. 2 or 3.
Mr. Gliha was handpicked by Mr. Jemison as his successor. "I can't remember all the nice things he said about me, because I was so embarrassed at the time," he said.
Mr. Gliha cited his experience in local government and his private-sector experience in information technology and management as credentials for assuming the auditor's position. He has served as a Munson Township trustee for 13 years and was unopposed in his re-election last year.
He said any replacement for the remainder of his trustee term will be required to go before voters in November to continue to hold the post.
He said he plans to continue to place service above all else as he moves on to the county position.
"Anytime you can help people is what makes this job so rewarding," Mr. Gliha said. "No one does these jobs for the money. They do it to help others. Our job is to serve our residents. I think that's what I did."
Mr. Gliha said that, during his service to the township, he is most proud of starting a newsletter, Munson Notables, which recognizes the contributions of local residents, and starting the annual township picnic.
On his watch, the township also acquired 276 acres for parklands, he said. That acreage, he said, is second only to the Geauga Park District in the county in land holdings. He said the township has also built what he views as the best fire and road departments in the county.
He said those accomplishments were only possible thanks to the support of fellow Trustees Mary Samide and Todd Ray.
As he moves toward a new career, Mr. Gliha said he is motivated by an Albert Einstein quote. "He said, 'If you have a choice between being a successful person or one who adds value, be the person who adds value.' I want to add value to the people of Geauga County."
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