By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Joan Wolfe may have won the office and title of Crawford County Auditor on Nov. 4, but it wasn’t until Monday morning she could officially put her nameplate on the door. Wolfe was sworn in during a first-thing-in-the-morning ceremony in Common Pleas Court by Judge Sean Leuthold.
“This is so humbling to actually be able to take the office now. Four months ago when I won I was proud and excited but you have to wait a little bit . . . until you get the first half collections and then you take office,” Wolfe said. “It’s been a while coming but I’m looking forward to the next four years.”
Wolfe was a deputy auditor for 14 years before making her first run at public office. In her inaugural appearance on the ballot she won by a more than 2-1- margin to succeed Robin Hildebrand who is retiring.
With her tie in the Auditor’s Office Wolfe said she’s well aware of the job’s responsibilities.
“I pretty much know what the job is, I just haven’t had to do it. As far as surprises, no surpises yet but that’s yet to come,” Wolfe said. “I have a 10 o’clock General Health Board meeting, something at noon and something at 5:30. I can see my life getting a little more busy because I’m on different boards and different things I have to be a part of.”
In addition to Wolfe, nine others were sworn in by Leuthold as assistant auditors for the county.
The judge told them, “”You’re getting a great leader here. Obviously Robin (Hildebrand) left a great legacy and I’m sure Joan will carry that on.”