Elections deputy takes Va. post


By David Skolnick

The Virginia county has more than five times the population of Trumbull County.

WARREN — The deputy director of Trumbull County’s board of elections is resigning next month to head the elections agency in the largest county in Virginia.

Rokey Suleman, 39, who’s spent the past four years as Trumbull’s deputy director, was hired as the general registrar of Fairfax County, Va.

The general registrar and deputy registrar oversee elections in Virginia counties similar to directors and deputy directors at boards of elections in Ohio counties.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity,” Suleman said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Suleman was earning $54,700 a year in Trumbull County. He said he’s still finalizing his salary with Fairfax County officials.

Fairfax County’s population is more than 1 million with about 640,000 registered votes. There are about 217,000 residents in Trumbull County and about 140,000 registered voters.

Fairfax is the most populous county in Virginia and has the highest median household income, $100,318, among counties with at least 250,000 residents in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Suleman’s last day at the Trumbull board is May 2, though he’ll probably use vacation time and leave earlier. He’s to start in Fairfax County on May 5.

“I have very good memories of Trumbull County,” he said. “It’s a great place to work. The staff is tremendous. I’m sure the board will have continued success.”

Board member Craig Bonar, the Trumbull Republican chairman, said Suleman, a Democrat, was “a hard worker. This is quite a promotion for him. I wish him well.”

The board will select a Democrat to replace Suleman. There is no time table for that appointment.

skolnick@vindy.com