GOP filling posts held by Doug Wills, New Philadelphia auditor’s position

NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (May 31, 2024) – Tuscarawas County Republicans have started the process of filling the numerous leadership positions held by the late Doug Wills.

They will also soon name a new auditor for the city of New Philadelphia.

Wills, the longtime county GOP party chair, passed away unexpectedly earlier this month.

The Tuscarawas County Republican Party Central Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday for Greg Kimble of Dover to become the new party chair. Republicans also selected Jerry Lahmers of Newcomerstown to take Wills’ place on the Board of Elections.

Board Director Gail Garbrandt says Lahmers attended his first board meeting this week to certify the petitions of Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell ahead of the deadline for independent candidates to run in the fall.

Meanwhile, New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day announced at Thursday’s city council meeting that New Philadelphia members of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party Central Committee will meet June 13^th to appoint a replacement for Auditor Beth Gundy.

Days says he wishes Gundy much health and happiness as she’ll be retiring Monday after more than 28 years in that position.

Day says in the meantime, he is appointing the office’s executive assistant, Heather Denham, to serve as the city’s interim auditor.

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