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CANTON —
Deametrious St. John is poised to become the first black member of the Stark County Board of Elections.
St. John, 53, of Plain Township, would replace fellow Democrat Phil Giavasis on the four-member bipartisan board, which oversees local elections. Giavasis had to resign because he’s seeking election this year as the Canton Municipal Clerk of Court — which would have created a conflict of interest.
“It’s an honor and a privilege,” St. John said.
County Democratic Party Chairman Randy Gonzalez had asked St. John to fill the vacancy. On Wednesday night, the party’s executive committee formally recommended St. John for the slot.
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has been asked to officially appoint St. John to the post.
If approved, St. John would fill the remainder of Giavasis’ term, which expires Feb. 28, 2014. He’d join Democrat Sam Ferruccio and Republicans William Cline and Curt Braden on the elections board.
Members are paid $16,693 a year.
St. John said he didn’t realize the magnitude of his pending appointment until he was greeted by a dozen black supporters at the Wednesday vote, followed by an outpouring of gratitude on social media Thursday.
Deametrious St. John is poised to become the first black member of the Stark County Board of Elections.
St. John, 53, of Plain Township, would replace fellow Democrat Phil Giavasis on the four-member bipartisan board, which oversees local elections. Giavasis had to resign because he’s seeking election this year as the Canton Municipal Clerk of Court — which would have created a conflict of interest.
“It’s an honor and a privilege,” St. John said.
County Democratic Party Chairman Randy Gonzalez had asked St. John to fill the vacancy. On Wednesday night, the party’s executive committee formally recommended St. John for the slot.
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has been asked to officially appoint St. John to the post.
If approved, St. John would fill the remainder of Giavasis’ term, which expires Feb. 28, 2014. He’d join Democrat Sam Ferruccio and Republicans William Cline and Curt Braden on the elections board.
Members are paid $16,693 a year.
St. John said he didn’t realize the magnitude of his pending appointment until he was greeted by a dozen black supporters at the Wednesday vote, followed by an outpouring of gratitude on social media Thursday.
