Graf out in bid for director position

7/12/2006

WAUSEON - Jack Graf, president of the Fulton County Commissioners, applied for the county's economic development director position late in the day June 30 - the deadline day for applications - and then withdrew his application a few days later.

Mr. Graf said that he applied because he is in the job market.

His term as a commissioner expires at the end of the year, and he was defeated in the primary election for his bid for the Republican nomination for county auditor.

He withdrew his application when he learned that to be a candidate for economic development director - a position that is filled by the commissioners - he would have had to resign his seat on the board of commissioners to be in compliance with state ethics laws.

Also applying late in the day June 30 was James Parker, a substitute teacher and U.S. Census field representative from Wauseon who previously was employed in medical administration and computer sales and consulting.

Mr. Parker brings the total number of candidates for economic development director to eight.

County administrator Vond Hall is to select finalists from that group who are expected to be interviewed by the commissioners this month.

The previous director, Shawn Ferguson, who left June 16 to become director of the Lucas County Improvement Corp., was paid $60,707 annually.