Repp to contest vacancy by Tiffin City Council

Seneca County Republican Central Committee submitted three nominations to the Governor's Office to fill the vacancy in Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court last week. The committee nominated Rhonda Best, Ken Clason and Ken Egbert Jr. The replacement will be chosen by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. In addition to the nominations, the committee received a letter from Former Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court Judge Mark Repp. The letter was read aloud to members of the committee during a meeting on Sept. 8, 2022. The letter was provided to the A-T by a member of the committee. "While I am not able to discuss the details, I want to inform you that I am and will be pursuing, multiple avenues to return to the Court," the letter stated. "Preparations have already been made on multiple levels and will commence at the proper time." Repp has been suspended by the Ohio Supreme Court since November 2021. The court had recommended a one-year suspension. His seat as judge was officially declared vacant by Tiffin City Council in June of 2022. He is also facing a lawsuit by an Upper Sandusky woman. "For the past 19 years I have strived to serve our community fairly, honestly and promptly and my commitment to Tiffin, Fostoria and all of Seneca County," Repp continued. "I have tried to limit the controversy around this process but certain forces and people have worked behind the scenes to undermine this. Never the less (sic), I believe the dynamics at work and my intention to return to the Court should be kept in mind when voting on nominations." "I understand that this Committee is bound by statue (sic) to make a recommendation. Unfortunately, these recommendations will not be the last of the process." "I had calls from committee members asking me about my plans,"Repp said in a conversation with the A-T. "I figured it would be good to have something read to them so they were aware of my plans." "I don't think the ordinance passed by council is lawful. That will be the first thing that is contested. If you read the statute, council doesn't have the ability to do what they have done when it comes to my situation." The recommendations by the committee have been sent to DeWine's office. His office will now schedule interviews with the nominees, check their references and may conduct a background check. After this, the interview panel will present its findings to the Governor and make a recommendation. When DeWine makes his decision, the Governor's office will then contact the Seneca County Republican Committee and the candidates. It will work with both the committee and the appointee to coordinate the announcement of the appointee. Following the announcement, the appointee will return to Columbus to process the paperwork necessary to take judicial office.