Wayne Allen| Daily Times
The new SOPA leadership includes, Scioto County Interim Economic Development Director Todd Book was elected chairman and Rodney Barnett was elected Vice-Chairman. Dan Cassidy was made Secretary/Treasurer and Loretta McClure Vice-Secretary/Treasurer. They are pictured with Scioto County Commissioner Doug Coleman.
Wayne Allen
PDT Staff Writer
At the Thursday meeting of the Southern Ohio Port Authority, new officers were elected to lead the organization in 2013.
Scioto County Interim Economic Development Director Todd Book was elected chairman and Rodney Barnett was elected Vice-Chairman. Dan Cassidy was made Secretary/Treasurer and Loretta McClure Vice-Secretary/Treasurer.
“I’m excited but, I also realize this is a big obligation. I know the people of the community are looking for some new direction, some change and some economic development activities,” Book said. “The charge from the county commissioners is to use this group as a centerpiece of economic development in the community. I think that’s a serious obligation and all of us on the board are excited to fulfill that obligation.”
Previous to the reorganization Scioto County Community Action Organization, CEO Bill Thacker had been serving as chairman of the organization due to a resignation of board chairman earlier this year.
“We’re heading off into new territory here, and I am excited to be a part of that. I expect a lot from everyone in the group. We have a lot of work to do and we have a lot of people counting on what happens here,” Book told the SOPA board.
Since the first of the year, the SOPA board has undergone its own reorganization when the commissioners expanded its membership from 11 members to 21.
On Tuesday, the commissioners filled the remaining vacancy on the board with the appointment of Kevin Craft.
At the time of the expansion of the board, Mike Crabtree, Chairman of the Scioto County Commissioners said, “We think what we’ve done here is going to help enhance the board. What were trying to do here should be obvious to the community.”
Crabtree said this does not indicate a change in mission or purpose for SOPA.
“No matter what we do in life we’re always trying to figure out better and efficient ways of doing things. I don’t think the purpose (of SOPA) has changed,” Crabtree said. “Scioto County has kind of been at the end of the line it seems like for the last 60 years. I have a lot of friends and relatives who drive a hundred miles to work everyday. I don’t think there is anyone in Scioto County who does not want jobs and opportunities here. So, if what we are doing here can help boost or enhance that a little, that’s what our purpose is.
Were not here to throw the baby out with the bath water, we’re here to do something that will maybe, make the Port Authority’s job a little easier.”
Crabtree said the action taken by the commissioners is being done for the right reasons.
For more information about SOPA look for them on Facebook.
Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or tallen@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Wayne on Twitter @WayneallenPDT.
The Mission and purpose has not change just doubled the number of board members not the staff and doers of the SOPA operations? But they claim it to be New Territory, make up our mind?
What are the people to believe more of the same or have they really found Jesus? Are the board members paid or get expenses or perks like the city council does?
Economic Development includes new businesses and industry not just grant writers to maintain the status quo and the like.
Is that Barnett person the same one who's the chairman of the Elections Commission? Interesting?
"Centerpiece of Economic Development" in Scioto County??? Where's Albrecht and the 2 executives from SSU, the health coalition and all the other self proclaimed economic development'ers??? Is this a move for claiming their turf, who they should be to began with???
How can you enhance the board and the SOPA by doubling the number on the board members, do they do the work? County Commissioners don't, the City Council don't, what gives?
"END OF LINE" THEY ARE GETTING WARMER, IT'S DAWNING ON THEM??? PROBABLY NOT?
“No matter what we do in life we’re always trying to figure out better and efficient ways of doing things. I don’t think the purpose (of SOPA) has changed,”
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THIS SURELY WILL NOT GET PASSED EDITORIAL APPROVAL, WATCH, ONLY TWO OF US WILL KNOW.
SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE ENTHUSIASM, "help boost and enhance a little" and "maybe make their job a little easier" Where??? Plop, Plop Fiz, Fiz.