Monroe County panel reorganizes

1/9/2003

MONROE - A pair of veteran Republican commissioners were returned unanimously to the leadership positions on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners that they last held two years ago, only their respective roles have been reversed.

Commissioner V. Lehr Roe was elected by his eight colleagues to serve as chairman, while Commissioner Dale Zorn was elected vice chairman.

Mr. Roe, 69, of Dundee, who last was vice chairman in 2000, was elected to his fifth two-year term in November. He was one of five GOP commissioners elected, marking the first time in the history of the Monroe commissioners that Republicans have held the majority.

Mr. Zorn, 48, of Ida, was last in the leadership when he served as county chairman in 2000. He has been a Monroe County commissioner since 1990.

Also during its organizational meeting Tuesday night, the board voted to appoint Prosecutor Michael Weipert as the county's temporary legal adviser until the commissioners can fill the position permanently.

Former legal adviser Mark Braunlich was elected to the First District Court in November. Mr. Weipert is expected to serve through the end of January, until commissioners complete evaluations and interviews with six legal firms that have submitted bids for the position.