SUMMIT COUNTY – The morning of Tuesday, Jan. 12 was a turning point for the Summit County Board of County Commissioners as three new commissioners were among elected officers sworn in. Tamara Pogue and Josh Blanchard will both be serving their first term of office. Elisabeth Lawrence was sworn in again as County Commissioner for District 1 after being appointed to the board in Jan. 2019.
“I am humbled to serve Summit County, and serve alongside Josh & Tamara. Together we will work to make Summit County better for our residents and our guests,” said Board Chair Elisabeth Lawrence.
"It is a true honor to serve in this position. I'm humbled yet excited to work on behalf of our whole community as we continue through these challenging times towards a stronger Summit County,” Commissioner Josh Blanchard said.
The Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative and policy-setting body for county government, enacts countywide regulations and authorizes programs and all expenditures of county funds. It also acts as the Board of Social Services, Board of Health and Board of Equalization. Three commissioners are each elected from single-member districts to four-year staggered terms to represent the entire county.
Karn Stiegelmeier and Thomas Davidson were term limited after serving 12 years and 14 years respectively. All three incoming Commissioners noted the legacy being left behind by Davidson and Stiegelmeier dedicated to the environment, housing, social equity, and fiscal management.
With the incoming commissioners, the board will address several new priorities in 2021, including sustainability, equity, economic resiliency, and community engagement.
“I’m honored and humbled to be able to continue to fight for Summit County in this new capacity,” said Commissioner Tamara Pogue. “I look forward to talking with every resident about what makes Summit County such a special place to live and how we make it even better for all of us.”
###
