Linda Davis to replace Koehl at elections board

TIFFIN — Members of the Seneca County Republican Central and Executive Committees met Tuesday to make a recommendation to the state in regard to an open republican seat on the Seneca County Board of Elections. Recommended to replace current republican member David Koehl will be Linda Davis, former mayor of Bettsville and sitting councilwoman. "As a member of the Board of Elections, when voting on issues that come before the board, my vote will reflect the values and principles of the Republican Party and Central Committee," said Davis. Davis shared in her letter to the committee that she has been working the polls since 2014, going on to serve as Voting Location Manager in Fostoria, Bettsville and Kansas in 2015. Additionally, Davis was proud to share her experience with helping the elderly to vote who may be otherwise less capable. Since March 2008, Davis has voted in the previous 40 elections that have taken place. When asked what something she believes helped her to secure the votes she needed, she mentioned that she was in charge of the Republican Headquarters in Downtown Tiffin during the 2024 Presidential Election. "I'd like to thank everyone for their support and I look forward to serving as your newest board member," said Davis. Close Competition Prior to votes being cast, two other candidates were up for recommendation to the state: David Koehl, sitting member of the Seneca County Board of Elections and Deborah Hay, member of the Seneca County Board of Health. Koehl was the second candidate to read a letter to the committee, in which he shared a list of noteworthy accomplishments in the political world. First appointed to the board in 2017, Koehl maintains that both he and the Seneca County Board of Elections have always upheld the law with the "highest standards possible." However, it is worth noting that Koehl mentioned concerns some of the committee members may have about personal comments Koehl has made at previous public events. "I have stated and continue to stand by the fact that before I make a comment, regardless of what it may be, that it is strictly a personal comment and not reflective of the board of elections, the republican party, or the committee," said Koehl in the meeting. The last candidate up for recommendation was Deborah Hay, currently a sitting member of the Seneca County Board of Health. Hay spoke in regard to her experience as a licensed physical therapist, serving both directly in the field and in supervisory positions. "I've managed budgets as large as six figures, therapy equipment is expensive," said Hay. Qualifications Following the reading of all three candidates' letters, questions were posed by various members of the committee for each candidate. When members of the committee asked candidates how many times she had visited the Board of Elections in the last six months, Hay had stated she had only visited once, while Davis and Koehl had been there several times, even daily– though Hay claimed to have visited other county offices. Another question asked by members of the committee was whether or not candidates believed the 2020 election was held fairly, or if it was somehow not an integral and fair election. Both Davis and Koehl stated they believed it was a fairly held election, regardless of what President Donald Trump may have said in regard to the matter. However, Hay shared a different opinion, saying she believes it was "fair in Ohio, very weird in other states." Finally, members of the committee asked candidates their opinion on remaining neutral when speaking as a publicly elected official in a non-partisan system. Koehl quickly responded, saying that it is important to remain neutral in such situations, to which Davis agreed. Hay maintained that she is a republican through and through, and will always vote and speak as such. In a paper ballot vote officiated by Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart, David Koehl was taken off the ballot after receiving the lowest number of votes during the first round of voting. Following a second round of voting, Davis was selected as the sitting committee member to be recommended to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose for appointment to the county board of elections. Looking ahead Once nominations and the voting process were concluded, members of the committee motioned to proceed with the agenda as written as the central committee. Following reports from various elected officials, Treasurer Duane Alt shared his report, noting a slight decrease in the 2025 Budget. With no old business, a motion was made under new business stating the committee shall try not to meet between Dec. 27-31. Many committee members shared their thoughts on the motion, saying there is no need to limit when they can or cannot meet, especially should something come up in case of an emergency. Shortly afterward, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting, with no need to enter into an executive session– something noted by Chairperson Chris Widman as "different from operating as the executive committee" to a group of newer committee members.