Commissioner Pete Gerken, President of the Board of County Commissioners, received a letter from Dog Warden Tom Skeldon announcing his retirement, effective Jan. 31, 2010. Commissioner Gerken shared the letter with his colleagues Thursday morning, according to a news release.

“I’d like to publicly recognize Tom Skeldon’s 20+ years as Dog Warden. He has served over 10 different Commissioners in a very difficult position and I wish him well in his retirement,” said Commissioner Gerken in a news release.

Commissioner Gerken will propose to his colleagues that a search committee be formed to find the next leader for this important county office.

“Each Commissioner will have the opportunity to appoint one member to this search committee, which will be supported by the Commissioners’ Human Resources department,” said Commissioner Gerken.

Commissioner Gerken will also ask County Administration to appoint Bonnie Mitchell, current Dog Pound Manager, as the interim Dog Warden while a search takes place.

Commissioner Ben Konop told Toledo Free Press, “It’s certainly a good day for the county. The actions of the dog warden were not reflective of the community. We now get a fresh start and a new perspective when it comes to looking out for the welfare of all of God’s creatures.”

Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak offered the following statement: “I have received Dog Warden Tom Skeldon’s letter, and I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement. I look forward to working with my colleagues and county administration to develop a transition plan that will identify a strong leader for that department in the future. I will also continue to work with the Dog Warden Advisory Committee to increase dog adoptions and establish the best policies and practices for the department.”

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 9:45 am and is filed under Breaking News.
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