In what turned out to be a relatively quick decision, the Harrison County Commission named an interim replacement for outgoing Prosecuting Attorney Joe Shaffer. On Wednesday, Shaffer announced his resignation from the post effective this coming Monday.

 

Susan Morris was named to the post. Harrison County Commission President Ron Watson said that it was an easy decision to make. vote was backed by fellow Commissioner Bernie Fazzini.

 

“It took us about three minutes,” said Watson, noting that Morris is the chief assistant prosecuting attorney under Shaffer. “When Joe’s not been here for the last several years when Susan has been in the position of chief assistant, she’s made that office function in the same positive manner. Why mess up what’s been working? That’s the reason; we wanted to keep the consistency and continuity of the office in place on this interim basis.”

 

Morris will hold the interim tag for 30 days. The countdown for that starts Monday and then Watson and Fazzini will be tasked with replacing Shaffer on a permanent basis for the remaining two years of his term; or until the next election.

 

“My intent is to appoint someone that can keep the office functioning as is and in the manner that Joe has created over there. Whether that person is Susan, I’m not sure,” said Watson. “What I am sure about is that I don’t’ want to see someone get in there and use it as a political springboard for the election in two years. You want someone to focus on the job and not have earning the position in an election as an ulterior motive.”

 

Watson said he believes this appointment has to be made by the Commission. The two Commissioners could not come up with a replacement recently for former Commissioner Michael Romano and now that decision will be made by the Harrison County Democratic Executive Committee.

 

“This appointment rests with the Harrison County Commission,” said Watson.

 

Editor's Note: Commissioner Bernie Fazzini, left, and Ron Watson made today's interim appointment.