Stieber steps down from elections board

NORWALK — The Huron County Democratic Party will hold a special meeting for the purpose of filling a vacancy on the Huron County Board of Elections. Any registered Huron County Democrat is eligible to apply. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Milestone Event Center, 11 South Prospect St., Norwalk. Dennis Stieber is stepping down from his position on the Huron County Board of Elections. "My reason for stepping down is for health insurance reasons," Stieber said. "OPERS eliminated health insurance for retirees under 65 as of Dec. 31. Instead, they instituted an HRA for each retiree with an amount contributed each month for them. However, retirees could not have access to that HRA if they were employed in an OPERS covered position (which the board of elections is). So, in order for me to have access to that HRA to pay premiums or health care costs, I had to step down from that position. I wasn't forced to by any means." Stieber said it is a very complex job to preserve the fairness of elections. "It is indeed a very important job considering that rules and regulations regarding elections changes almost daily and it's critical to have someone in that position who can digest all the new directives by the secretary of state," he said. "The current board now works well together. Even though there are two members from each political party on the board, we put our politics aside and do what is best for the voters of Huron County. "I am proud to say that the current staff at the board of elections does a great job in making sure every voter in the county is treated fairly and has the opportunity to cast their votes without any concern." A time to say thanks "The Huron County Democratic Party wishes to express our gratitude and appreciation for his dedicated service to ensuring Huron County voters have access to free, fair, and secure elections," Karen Prelipp, chairwoman, said in a release. "All are welcome to attend this meeting to personally thank him for his service." If interested send a resume and cover letter to Karen Prelipp at karenp1515@ymail.com by noon Wednesday.