Who's gonna fill their shoes?

Who's gonna fill their shoes?
Who's gonna stand that tall?
Who's gonna give their heart and soul to get to me and you?
Lord, I wonder, who's gonna fill their shoes?
– George Jones

Country music legend George Jones recorded "Who's gonna fill their shoes?" many years ago. It's a song about some of the industry's most famous performers: Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Elvis Presley (yes, he sang a bit of country), Jerry Lee Lewis, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell and a few others.

Prior to the Highland County Republican Party's swearing-in ceremony Friday afternoon, I mentioned to former Highland County Clerk of Courts and party stalwart Paulette Donley that I can't help but wonder who's going to fill the shoes of many of the county's current office-holders.

With all due respect to George Jones, seriously, "Who's gonna fill their shoes?"

It is quite possible that sometime within the next decade, or not long after, a number of long-serving county officials will be moving on to the fun of retirement, minus the headaches of public service.

Recently retired county officials include Paulette, former prosecutor Jim Grandey, and soon-to-be retired county coroner Dr. Paul Terrell (Doc, to most of us).

Among those approaching the good life are county auditor Bill Fawley, clerk of courts Ike Hodson, Sheriff Ron Ward, Judge Rocky Coss and Judge Kevin Greer. In addition, county engineer Dean Otworth was sworn in for the sixth time by Judge Richard Davis (ret.) at Friday's ceremony.

While none of us should be in any hurry to prematurely put these fine public servants out to pasture, we also must be cognizant of the fact that there will come a day when they will exercise the retirement option. (And who can blame any of them?)

Let's face it. Highland County has been very fortunate to have all of these public officials for a considerable period of time. We have well-respected judges; a well-respected sheriff; an auditor who is, simply put, beyond reproach; and a clerk of courts who also has an outstanding record of service as our former county recorder.

Collectively, these individuals have more than a century of public service.

Whether we like it or not, that means that retirements are on the horizon for many of our finest public officials. It also means some of the next generation will have to step up.

To that point, we witnessed Friday the first post-election swearing-in ceremonies for a few of those youthful souls in the next generation.

• There was Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins accepting her oath of office from Highland County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Kevin Greer, with her daughter, Dalayna, holding the family Bible and her daughter, Paysen, pretty much doing whatever she felt like.

• There was Highland County Recorder Chad McConnaughey, being sworn in by Judge Greer. I first met Chad when he played basketball at Lynchburg-Clay some 20 years ago. He's a good man. And, as Judge Greer said, not all of those who voted for him were his relatives.

• There was new Highland County Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Beery, being sworn in by his brother, Hillsboro City Law Director Fred Beery. Yes, Dr. Beery is among the "youthful souls" in county government. (Anyone younger than me is youthful.)

• And there was Ohio's 91st House District Representative Cliff Rosenberger, also being sworn in by Judge Greer. Cliff has done an admirable job as the county's state representative. In fact, this year, he earned the vote of retiring Greenfield city manager Betty Bishop.

Cliff knows how much I think of his former political opponent, Bill Horne. But I'll say this: Cliff Rosenberger is not afraid to face the music, whether it's about a newspaper endorsement, Senate Bill 5, or anything else. He will answer your questions. He's always accessible.

In fact, all of these public officials share that "accessibility trait."

As I've written before, the most accessible public official from this standpoint is Ron Ward. I have called the sheriff on matters of importance when he was at church; when it was after midnight; and I have called him when he's been on vacation. He has always answered the call with the same two words: "Ron Ward."

He has never failed to answer the phone or my questions.

The same holds true for the county prosecutor. (Except that she does not answer "Ron Ward" when I call her.)

Highland County citizens, voters and taxpayers need to understand that we've been very fortunate to have had several very good public officials in these offices for many years. But others will have to step up soon to fill these shoes.

Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. But soon.

Someone must fill their shoes. For those in their 20s, 30s and 40s, it's surely something to think about.

If you are considering entering local politics, you would be well advised to schedule a meeting with people like Kay Ayres and Dinah Phillips. They can help you fill those shoes.

Rory Ryan is publisher of The Highland County Press.