Saturday, November 24, 2012
Staff report
WARREN
The Trumbull County commissioners have extended an agreement for six more months to pay former state representative and former State Employment Relations Board member Michael Verich $2,000 per month to work on behalf of the county in Columbus and Washington.
Verich, of Warren, has done this type of work for the county since August 2011, having been employed under five-month and six-month contracts. He was on the SERB board for 12 years, ending in November 2010.
Recently the county commissioners extended Verich’s contract another six months, through June 30, 2013.
Gov. John Kasich appointed Verich to the board of the Ohio Lottery Commission in August 2011. His three-year term expires Aug. 1, 2014. He makes $5,000 per year as lottery commission member.
Verich is an attorney and consultant with 28 years’ experience in state government, having served as state representative for the 66th District of Ohio for 16 years from 1982 to 1998. The district included part of Trumbull County.
He received his law degree from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.
Commissioner Paul Heltzel said Verich’s accomplishments have included an ability to expedite projects that involve state and federal grants and loans.
His assistance is especially valuable on transportation issues, Heltzel said.
Verich is expected to provide assistance in matters relating to the extension of water lines in Southington Township and has helped secure grants and low-interest loans and expedite aspects of the $10 million Kinsman sewer project.
The project will end up costing less per property owner than most projects the county has undertaken in many years, Commissioner Frank Fuda said.