Seitz lands four committee posts as newest senator

Ohio Senate President Bill Harris appointed Sen. Bill Seitz to four committees today as the Senate's newest member.

The Green Township Republican's appointment to the Senate Wednesday, to fill Patricia Clancy's vacant seat, triggered a reshuffling of committee posts by Harris, R-Ashland.

Seitz was named vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Criminal Justice. He also was named a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Civil Justice; the State & Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee; and the Health, Human Services & Aging Committee.

"Throughout my career in the General Assembly, I have fought to improve the lives of families in Southwest Ohio by helping enact laws that would help rid our communities of crime and violence, provide better access to quality and affordable health care and make our region’s economic climate attractive to new business and job growth," Seitz said in a prepared statement. "As I move over to the Senate and step into a new leadership role, I look forward to continuing this very important work."

Seitz was a member of the Ohio House since 2001. He replaced Clancy, R-Colerain Township, who left to become assistant chief probation officer for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.

Harris said Seitz’ House committee experience and extensive knowledge of the law made him an excellent candidate to fill new leadership roles in the Senate.

"Bill brings with him a solid reputation, extensive knowledge of the law, and passionate drive to better the lives of his constituents and all Ohioans," Harris said. "He will be a welcome addition to our caucus, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months and years to enact good public policy to move our great state forward."