Engineer candidate passes away

KELLEYS ISLAND — A man seeking to become Erie County's next engineer recently died. And those leading the county's Republican party are now looking to find a replacement prior to November's election. Tom Beck, of Kelleys Island, passed away on April 24, according to his obituary, noting he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was 83. Beck is survived by his wife of 34 years, Janet Rose Beck, along with several children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family. He owned his own business, Clearfork Construction. Beck also served: • As the Richland County engineer from 1989 to 2016 • On school boards, including for Kelleys Island since 2021 • As the past president of the County Engineers Association of Ohio "He approached every task with diligence and determination, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him," according to his obituary. Those who knew him are mourning his loss. "We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Tom Beck," said Caleb Stidham, the Erie County treasurer who also serves as the county Republican party's chairman. "He was a dear friend to many in our party and a fierce advocate for Kelleys Island. Our prayers are with Tom's family during this difficult time." Finding a Republican replacement In December, Beck, a Republican, announced his candidacy to become Erie County's engineer. He was set to challenge Jack Farschman, a Democrat and Erie County's engineer since 1997. Farschman rarely faced a threat from anyone to overtake his incumbency. The last time he encountered an election opponent occurred in 2004. When a major-party candidate for an Ohio-based county office dies following a primary election, which occurred in March, "It is the responsibility of the county Republican central committee to choose a new nominee," said Stidham, noting the central committee is comprised of county-based Republicans. Stidham, who chairs the committee, seeks interested individuals to apply for this position by emailing caleb@eriecountygop.com. The email should include a cover letter and resume. To qualify, prospective candidates must reside in Erie County and be a licensed engineer and surveyor. The deadline to apply is May 19. People can vote for the engineer's position in November. Whoever receives the most votes secures a four-year term beginning in January. For engineer's without a private practice, the elected position in Ohio pays about $117,000 a year. Paying respects Beck's obituary listed visitation information. A celebration-of-life ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at Zion United Methodist Church 102 Chappel St., Kelleys Island.