Ilene Shapiro likely will face no opposition Thursday when the Summit County Democratic Party gathers to appoint a new county executive.
Shapiro, the president of County Council, has been serving as interim county executive since Russ Pry died last week.
The party’s central committee is expected to appoint her to fill the remainder of his term this year and take his place on the November ballot.
Several Democrats said they are unaware of anyone who will challenge her for the appointment and a spot on the ballot.
“We haven’t been informed of anyone who is interested in it at this time,” Democratic Party Chair Jeff Fusco said.
The central committee will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at North High School, 985 Gorge Blvd., Akron, to make its selection.
Despite the lack of opposition, the party is encouraging members to attend the meeting.
By law, a majority is needed to nominate a candidate in the general election, meaning 144 members of the current 287 must vote.
If Shapiro, 69, of Akron, a former senior vice president of sales with FirstMerit Corp. and director of strategic alliances at the Summa Foundation, receives the nod, she would face Republican Bill Roemer in November for a four-year term.
Roemer, 59, of Richfield, a retired Ameritech sales director and certified public accountant, previously served a four-year term on the County Council.
Assuming Shapiro wins the party nomination Thursday, the Democratic Party will gather again at North High at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 to select someone to replace her on the council and to run in the fall to complete the remaining two years of her at-large council term.
Several Democrats confirmed Tuesday that they are interested in seeking her council post, including:
• Current District 1 Councilman Nick Kostandaras, who lost a primary race earlier this year.
• Nolan James, director of admissions at the University of Akron School of Law, who lost a primary this year against Councilman Tim Crawford.
• Former Ohio 9th District Court of Appeals Judge Clair Dickinson, who previously served two stints on the council.
• Local attorney and Cuyahoga Falls Mayor’s Court magistrate Lisa Dean.
It’s unclear who’s interested on the Republican side.
Summit County Republican Party Executive Committee Chair Bryan Williams couldn’t be reached for comment.
The Democratic and Republican candidates will have a short window to campaign for the position.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.