Ratliff

slideshow

Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Members of Portsmouth City Council interviewed five finalists for the position of Portsmouth City Clerk Monday night and in the end, selected Diana Ratliff of Portsmouth. After the interviews were over the remaining five members of council returned and put two names in nomination.

The final vote was four to one in favor of Ratliff, with only Fourth Ward Councilman James Kalb voting against. Kalb had cast the lone vote for the other finalist, Sherri Lambert.

“I actually have been unemployed for the past five months,” Ratliff said, after learning she had received the job. “Our agency, Daniels-Head is where I worked before and they left the area at the end of June. So I have been unemployed, so this is quite the pleasure.”

Ratliff said she had worked at various insurance agencies for over 30 years, mainly as an account executive.

“I am elated,” Ratliff said. “The job market right now is really tight. So any opportunity out there is a plus. The ladies were all so nice that were interviewed and I feel very fortunate.”

Ratliff will replace Tamara Nathan who announced two weeks ago that she will resign effective Dec. 26 to become an assistant manager of a Taco Bell in South Point, Ohio. She had been on the job for over a year, replacing long-time City Clerk Jo Ann Aeh, who had retired in 2011.

Ratliff said the position would be full-time, but that Council is going to discuss whether it should remain full-time or become a part-time position. Nathan had said last week that the position could be handled on a part-time basis.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com