LANCASTER - Tuesday was long-time Fairfield County Recorder Gene Wood's last day on the job. He is retiring after almost 45 years in the office and 38 years in his current position.
The county commission named Lisa McKenzie as the temporary acting recorder until the county Republican Party central committee meets to name a permanent replacement to fill Wood's unexpired term the rest of the year.
McKenzie has worked for Wood for 22 years and will run unopposed in November for his seat.
Wood said he's now ready for his new life.
"I tell everybody I'm going to do what Gene wants to do," he said. "I feel free. I feel free. I don't have to worry about alarm clocks or meetings anymore. It's exciting for me after the time I've been here. It's time for me to step down and move on and let the younger people take over the office."
The commissioners in February accepted Wood's resignation letter. They also named Wednesday as Gene Wood Day at Tuesday's meeting. Wood said he was fine emotionally until the meeting, which also had several country recorders from across the state attending in his honor.
Wood will be 75 in a few days and previously said that is one reason why he is retiring. He also said he didn't enjoy the job has much as he used to.
"The county, things have changed here," Wood said in February. "There's a lot of changes within the county, and I may not necessarily agree with everything."
Wood started his career in 1975 as deputy recorder under former recorder Rex Zollinger. He then became the county recorder in the 1982 upon Zollinger's unexpected death in the middle of his term. Zollinger was elected in 1952, meaning the county has had only two recorders in 67 years.
Wood ran in 10 elections since with three of them contested elections.
County commissioner and local Republican Party chair Jeff Fix said there was never an issue or scandal of any type during Wood's tenure.
"Gene's always been a good public servant," he said. "He's always quietly gone about doing a great job for the citizens of Fairfield County. He's never really sought any recognition or accolades or anything like that. He's the type of public servant that you hope to have as part of your county. He's done a great job and he's done it for a long time."
The county Republican Party central committee has between five and 45 days to name someone to serve as acting recorder for the remainder of year. Fix said McKenzie seems like the logical choice, but that the committee can chose anyone it wants.
McKenzie could also face a write-in challenger in November. The deadline to file for a write-in candidacy is 4 p.m. on Aug. 24.
In a related election issue, Lithopolis will have a special election on Aug. 4 on a 1/2% income tax hike.
jbarron@gannett.com
740-304-9296
Twitter: @JeffDBarron
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July 01, 2020 at 12:29AM
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County names Lisa McKenzie acting recorder as long-time recorder Gene Wood retires - Lancaster Eagle Gazette
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