Renacci, Baker nominated to board of elections

MEDINA TWP. — There are two changes pending on the Medina County Board of Elections. The terms of board members Larry Cray, a Republican, and John Welker Jr., a Democrat, are ending. There have been two nominations for replacements on the board. Former Congressman Jim Renacci, a Republican, has been nominated to replace Cray. Granger Township Fiscal Officer Donald Baker, a Democrat, has been nominated to replace Welker. Secretary of State Frank LaRose will make the official appointments at a March 4 reorganizational meeting, which is the first day the new board will meet. At the board meeting Tuesday, the board certified the candidates for the primary election. The winning partisan candidates will move on to the November election. Medina County Commissioner Bill Hutson presented the retiring Marian E. Coffey, former deputy director, with a proclamation. A liaison from LaRose's office presented certificates to Cray and Welker. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.