Mesenburg steps down

Huron County Commissioner Brad Mesenburg announced his resignation effective last Friday, Sept. 12, citing health issues and family obligations. Commissioner Tom Dunlap read Mesenburg's letter aloud at Thursday's board session. In the letter, Mesenburg explained the reasons for his resignation: "Due to ongoing health concerns and increasing family obligations, it is in the best interest of my loved ones and myself to step away at this time." Mesenburg also mentioned his pride in serving his constituents in the letter. "It's been an honor to serve the residents of Huron County," it read. Both Dunlap and fellow Commissioner Harry Brady declined to comment further on the decision. Huron County elections board deputy director Ben Kline outlined what comes next. He explained that under Ohio law, the Republican Party will nominate a replacement to serve until voters have their say next year, when an election for Mesenburg's seat will occur. "The Republican Party will contact us with who the replacement will be," Kline said. "That person will serve until next year, when there will be a primary election followed by the general election. At that point, voters will choose who fills the seat moving forward." The Huron County Republican Party's central committee is scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. next Thursday to appoint Mesenburg's temporary replacement. The appointee will serve until next year's elections, at which point the candidate yet to be named could file with the election board to get their name on the ballot, seeking the full term. Mesenburg, a Republican, won election to the board during the Nov. 5, 2024, and took his seat on Jan. 3. Prior to joining the commission, he maintained a long record of public service in local government. He was elected as Townsend Township's fiscal officer in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, and has also served since 2013 as fiscal officer of the Vermilion River Ambulance District. Born and raised in Collins, Mesenburg graduated from St. Paul in 2001 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Bowling Green State University. In addition to his public service, he is vice president of Mesenburg Bros., a family business founded by his grandfather Pete and great-uncle George, according to the Huron County Republican Party website. Requests for comment from Mesenburg have not been returned as of press time.