'Cheers' TV star helps at swearing-in of new Ohio treasurer

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s new treasurer had some celebrity support when he was sworn in to begin his term.

Josh Mandel took his oath of office as treasurer today with actor John Ratzenberger serving as master of ceremonies. Ratzenberger played Cliff the letter carrier on the TV series “Cheers” and is the voice of the piggy bank Hamm in the “Toy Story” movies.

Ratzenberger says he’s a “great admirer” of Mandel’s. He jokingly told the crowd that he “used to be a government employee,” too.

Ratzenberger campaigned for the Cleveland-area Republican last year, and Mandel has talked up a foundation Ratzenberger started to promote vocational education.

Mandel said he and the actor share a common interest in restoring Ohio’s manufacturing sector.