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Elected officials take oath, share advice

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By Anna DeWine-Bolton

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JAMESTOWN — Eight county-wide re-elected officials were sworn into office Friday morning at Greeneview High School.

Principal Brian Masser welcomed juniors and seniors to the gymnasium where they witnessed the swearing-in ceremony.

“Today is your opportunity to get to know those candidates who occupy the offices here in Greene County, to see the person more than the position,” Masser said to the bleachers full of students.

Beavercreek Township Administrator Alex Zaharieff led the ceremony, introducing each official to the podium, including Federal Court Judge Tom Rose. Rose swore in seven of the eight individuals to their respective offices.

After each county official took the oath of office, he or she spoke directly to the students, offering stories, advice, and knowledge about his or her office.

Terri Mazur, Clerk of Courts, talked about graduating from Yellow Springs High School, and how she never imagined she’d become an elected official.

“Life takes us down many paths,” she said. “And I am thankful to be right here at this moment.”

Rose swore in Mazur to her sixth term, and has sworn her in all five previous times, he said.

An alumnus of Greeneview, Dr. Kevin Sharrett, took the oath next. Sharrett was elected to serve another term as the county’s coroner.

“It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was sitting where you’re sitting,” Sharrett said to the students.

Sharrett described the job of coroner to the students, explaining that just as every birth is certified in the county, every death is, too.

County Engineer Bob Geyer, who maintains 325 miles of county roads and is responsible for snow and ice removal, told the students that he simply “worked his way up.”

Bob Glaser and Tom Koogler will serve on the Board of County Commissioners for another four years.

Glaser’s advice for the students was to always invest in their education.

“I encourage you to read as much as you possibly can, because if you read, you can do anything in life,” he said.

Koogler followed, advising the students to get involved and give back.

Judge Adolfo Tornichio, of the Greene County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, noted that his inspiration comes from young people like the students in front of him.

“When I get out into the community and see what you do, that inspires me, it recharges my batteries,” he said. “I truly believe that if we can help guide a child or young adult to walk the right path — even just one, then we have succeeded.”

Stephen Haller, prosecuting attorney, described his role and encouraged students interested in criminal justice or the law to become prosecutors.

To conclude the ceremony, Geyer swore in Sheriff Gene Fischer.

“I love being sheriff of Greene County. I love working with the other elected officials. I love this county and the citizens in it,” Fischer said.

Auditor David Graham, who was not up for re-election this election cycle, also spoke to the students about being auditor, and about the importance of challenging people to understand government and challenging government to do things better.

Anna DeWine | Xenia Daily Gazette Federal Court Judge Tom Rose swore in Clerk of Courts Terri Mazur to her sixth term Friday at Greeneview High School.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2016/12/web1_Mazur.jpgAnna DeWine | Xenia Daily Gazette Federal Court Judge Tom Rose swore in Clerk of Courts Terri Mazur to her sixth term Friday at Greeneview High School.

Judge Adolfo Tornichio of Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, spoke to students after he took the oath of office.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2016/12/web1_Tornichio.jpgJudge Adolfo Tornichio of Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, spoke to students after he took the oath of office.

County Engineer Bob Geyer swore in Sheriff Gene Fischer to another term of office.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2016/12/web1_Sheriff.jpgCounty Engineer Bob Geyer swore in Sheriff Gene Fischer to another term of office.

Reach Anna DeWine-Bolton at 937-502-4498.