As the Scioto County Republican Central Committee prepares to select a replacement for the late Commissioner Cathy Coleman, current Commissioner Scottie Powell has a message for the candidates: focus on your vision—not your rivals.
Powell, who was appointed to the Board of Commissioners in 2020 after the death of Commissioner Mike Crabtree, knows the process well. He later won election to the seat in 2022.
“I sit in a unique position where I went through this process—and now I get to sit on the other side of it,” Powell said during Thursday’s meeting.
With more than ten local Republicans seeking the seat, Powell offered a clear piece of advice: Run on your merit, not mudslinging.
“Focus on yourself. Focus on your vision. Focus on your experience. Lead with what you want to do for the county versus what you perceive others are or aren’t doing,” he said.
A Story That Stuck
Powell shared a bit of political wisdom passed down to him by the late Rep. Doug Green, who had heard it from his own father:
“If I hear you talking about your opponent, I will vote for your opponent,” Green’s father had told him. “Run on your own merit and ideas—not on the negative opinion you’re trying to paint of others.”
Powell said those words had a lasting impact on how he approached public service.
“That stuck with me. I appreciated those wise words. That’s how elections should be,” Powell said. “Whoever is chosen will immediately be thrust into a campaign—they’ll have to run again next year. Best of luck to them.”
July 29: The Selection Process
The Scioto County Republican Central Committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00 PM at the New Boston Community Center to vote on who will fill Cathy Coleman’s unexpired term.
According to Ohio Revised Code 305.02, the committee is required to appoint a replacement within 45 days of a vacancy. The person selected will serve until voters choose a permanent successor in the 2026 election.
The Process:
- Round 1: All candidates appear on the ballot
- Round 2: Top four vote-getters move forward
- Final Round: Top two finalists face off
- Voting: In-person only, secret ballot, by committee members only
- Deadline to file as a candidate: Sunday, July 27, by contacting Chairman Kevin Craft
Big Shoes to Fill
The vacancy follows the July 4 passing of Commissioner Cathy Coleman, a deeply respected community leader who was known for her advocacy for seniors, quiet strength, and unwavering faith. She herself was appointed to the seat after the passing of her husband, Commissioner Doug Coleman, before later winning election in her own right.
Her passing has left both a personal and political void—and the responsibility of choosing her successor is being taken seriously.
“We have a very competent Republican Central Committee that’s going to have to make some tough decisions,” Powell said.
Stay tuned to SCDN for continued coverage of the candidates, the selection process, and the future of Scioto County leadership.
