House Republicans pick Mecklenborg

Ohio House Republicans announced their selection today of Bob Mecklenborg to fill the soon-to-be vacated seat held by state Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Green Township.

Earlier this month, Seitz was picked to fill the 8th District Senate seat held by Sen. Patricia Clancy, R-Colerain Township, starting Oct. 10.

Clancy is taking a job as assistant chief probation officer at Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.

House Speaker Jon Husted announced Mecklenborg’s selection to the 30th District seat, which includes about 110,000 people in Delhi, Harrison, Green and Miami townships. The job pays $58,933 annually.

Mecklenborg must run for re-election next year. Dick Hammersmith, a political consultant who was passed over for the appointment, has said he’ll challenge Mecklenborg in the March 4 primary election.

Mecklenborg, an attorney, is founding partner of Hyle & Mecklenborg and former law director for the city of Cheviot.

A screening committee comprised of members of the House Republican Caucus, and led by Husted, chose Mecklenborg after a recommendation from Hamilton County Republicans. Appointment to the seat is expected after Seitz’ resignation and the OK of the rest of the 53-member House GOP Caucus.

"Bob Mecklenborg’s vast legal experience and dedication to public service are tremendous," Husted said in a prepared statement. "I’m looking forward to having him on the team."

"I’m both honored and humbled," Mecklenborg said. "I am grateful to have been selected by the screening committee today..."

Mecklenborg and his wife, Jan, have been married for 25 years and have three children – Jill, Rob and Laura. They live in Green Township.