Hastings, a Republican, is the first appointee to the county elections board after Brunner forced all four members to resign over shoddy election work. Brunner says Hastings experience as a judge, and senior deputy attorney to former Attorney General Jim Petro will make him a great asset to the board.
Hastings appointment comes the same day the Center of Election Integrity at Cleveland State University released a collaborative public audit of last November's election. Hastings says their findings will be one of many issues on the agenda with Center Director Candace Hoke once all board members are in place.
Jeff Hastings: I know one of their suggestions was suggesting an audit after every election, general election to ensure the integrity of the process. And I think that's a good idea. Obviously it's something the board will want to discuss and explore with her and members of her committee.
The new board members must immediately face some major decisions, including the hiring of a new director and deputy director. Tasha Flournoy, 90.3.