Clark County Democratic Party Chair Ron Rhine will retire from his position, effective Jan. 9.

“At my age I figured its time to give it younger people. I’m 75. It’s time for the younger folks to take over,” Rhine said.

Rhine became the local chair in 2007 when he took over the unexpired term of Charlie Bush and was elected to the position in 2010.

The executive committee will appoint a new chair to finish the remaining year of Rhine’s term on Jan. 16, 2013.

Rhine is a former president of the UAW International Union and a former state representative for the 73rd District, which later became the 72nd District. He is also on the Clark County Board of Elections.

Clark County Democratic First Vice Chair Ted McClenen said he was surprised when Rhine announced plans to retire and added that Rhine’s leadership will be missed.

“He’s done above and beyond his duty as chairman of the Clark County Democratic Party. We’re all going to miss him. But we understand there comes a time when you’ve felt you’ve done all you can and want to go out on a good note,” McClenen said.

McClenen said Rhine has worked hard for the party, especially during the 2012 election when he was instrumental in getting President Barack Obama to campaign in Clark County at Springfield High School.

At least two or three people have expressed interest in becoming the next chair of the party, McClenen said. the person appointed to the position may also have to sit on the board of elections, if Rhine decides to finish his term through 2016.

Clark County Democratic Party Third Vice Chair Jason Barlow called Rhine a great leader who worked with the party at the county, state and national levels.

“He’s been a support of Democratic principles all of his life … It’s sad (to see him retire), but we have to continue to move on,” Barlow said.

Barlow said Rhine’s previous position as a UAW president helped forge a better relationship between the party and current union members.

“There was a period of time where there was conflict, and he’s be able to bridge that gap,” Barlow said.

He said the next leader of the local party needs to be someone who has vision for the party going forward, someone who has plans to integrate technology into party operations and someone who can engage young people.