Hastings appointed to Cuyahoga County Board of Elections

I would like to congratulate Jeff Hastings on his appointment to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

S.O.S. Brunnhilda's statement ---

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner announced Thursday the appointment of Jeff Hastings to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

Hastings, who was recommended by the Cuyahoga County Republican Party, is appointed to the elections board effective immediately for the remainder of a four-year term that ends Feb. 29, 2008.

Hastings replaces Republican Sally Florkiewicz, who resigned from the board. The two Democrats and the other Republican on the board have also resigned. Secretary Brunner sought the resignations in the wake of well-publicized problems at the agency.

Secretary Brunner, Ohio's top elections official, said Hastings' experiences as Senior Deputy Attorney General in former Attorney General Jim Petro's Cleveland Office, and as a Common Pleas Court Judge along with his broad experience working with the greater Cleveland community will be assets as he takes his place on the elections board in Ohio's most populous county.

"I'm pleased with the Republican Party's nomination. Jeff Hastings brings experience and commitment that will enhance a mission of exceptional public service by the new board," added Secretary Brunner.

Hastings is currently an attorney with Hastings & Associates in Cleveland.

Hastings also previously served as executive director of the Cuyahoga County Republican Party and as an assistant to the mayor of Lakewood in suburban Cleveland.

Hastings holds a bachelor's degree from Ashland University; a master's degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

The local Republican Party will be able to submit a recommendation to Secretary Brunner for the other GOP seat on the elections board when the position becomes vacant May 1.

Secretary Brunner has interviewed candidates for the two Democratic seats on the board after the local Democratic Party deferred the entire selection process to her. Brunner expects to appoint the two Democratic seats no later than next week.

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Media Contacts:
Patrick Gallaway, Director of Communications, (614) 752-2450
Jeff Ortega, Assistant Director of Communications, Media, (614) 466-0473.