Shenigo becomes Erie County commission board president

PERKINS TWP. — Entering his ninth year in office, Erie County commissioner Pat Shenigo notched a first in his political career.Shenigo became the county commission's board president during a public meeting on Monday.Largely a figurehead position, the president position carries few executive powers. For instance, the president can set up public meeting times as well as topics and speakers for those sessions.The president, however, doesn't boast any special voting privileges. The person effectively stands on equal footing with the other two elected commissioners.Shenigo received a 3-0 vote. He, along with commissioners Bill Monaghan and Matt Old, supported his bid for board president."I don't have any agenda," Shenigo said. "We are all equals. I look forward to working with the other (two) commissioners."Old became the board's vice president. He defeated Perkins Township trustee Jim Lang in November's general election and replaces Tom Ferrell, who opted against running for re-election. Ferrell, who acted as commission board president in 2016, served as a county commissioner for the last 28 years. Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.