By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw announced today that she is withdrawing as the Republican candidate for a fourth term as a county commissioner.
“After careful consultation with my doctors and my family, I have made the difficult decision to step down from the race and prioritize my health,” Herringshaw said in a press release this afternoon. “At this time my current medical condition makes it impossible for me to dedicate the time, energy and focus required to effectively campaign.”
The announcement is expected to be met with sadness from supporters and with interest from several fellow Republicans eyeing their prospects at the open commissioner’s seat.
Herringshaw said she plans to serve the final few months of her term as commissioner.
“I will continue to provide the citizens of Wood County with the kind of service I have always provided.”
Herringshaw was appointed commissioner on Jan. 10, 2013, to fill the unexpired term of Tim Brown, who left the commissioners’ office for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives.
She was elected to serve her first full term in 2014 and continued to run successful campaigns that allowed her to serve Wood County for 14 years.
“I consider it an absolute honor to have been able to serve the citizens of Wood County. I am also deeply grateful for the trust, support and dedication shown to me by my team, volunteers and members of the community.” Herringshaw said. “My effort has been to make Wood County a great place to work, live and raise a family and I am proud of that effort. For my fellow candidates I wish nothing but the best in the upcoming election.”
With her dropping out of the commissioner’s race, the Wood County Republican Central Committee will need to meet to vote on a replacement candidate by Aug. 10, according to Cindy Hofner, chair of the Wood County Republican Party.
“I’m sure we will come up with a candidate who will represent Wood County very well,” Hofner said, adding that she expects a lot of interest in the position.
The new candidate will face Democratic county commissioner contender Brenna Reynolds, a Rossford City Council member currently serving her second term, and Independent Joe DeMare of Bowling Green. The three candidates will be on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Hofner said she is saddened by Herringshaw dropping out of the race.
“Doris has served the county very well,” first as the county’s OSU extension agent, and then on the board of county commissioners, where she has served as president.
“She has always been very visible,” Hofner said. “She will talk to every person. And she always made the right decisions for Wood County.”
