By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON — After nearly three decades with the Ashtabula County Board of Elections, director Richard Hornstein may step out of the voting booth and into retirement.
“I’m considering it,” he said.
Hornstein has worked with the election board in 1982. The first eight years he was the deputy director, and the past 20 years served as director, overseeing the department that handles all ballot-related activity in the county.
In recent days reports have circulated that Hornstein may not be back when his term expires in March. Contacted by a reporter, Hornstein confirmed he was considering a change.
“I’m thinking about it,” he said.
The director and deputy director serve two-year terms at the pleasure of the four-member board, which is comprised of two Democrats and two Republicans. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office casts the deciding vote in case of a tie.
Hornstein, a Republican, has regularly been retained by the board, even the Democrat members. “I appreciate that,” he said.
Hornstein has said political philosophies are set aside when decisions are made regarding county elections. “I’ve always tried to do the right thing and work with people,” he said.
Luanne Laasko, election board chairwoman, could not be reached for comment Friday.
