“I want to take this opportunity to thank Andy Wilson and the county commissioners for the faith they have shown in me and for this wonderful opportunity,” Driscoll said in a statement. “I promise every day that I am in this office I will do my best to serve the people of Clark County.”
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Driscoll replaces Wilson, who resigned from his post effective Jan. 14 to accept a position in Governor-elect Mike DeWine’s Cabinet. Wilson, who was elected prosecutor in 2011, will serve as the Senior Advisor for Criminal Justice Policy.
Driscoll, a Clark County resident, has served as deputy prosecutor since 2014. Driscoll is a graduate of both Wright State University and the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.
Driscoll told the Springfield News-Sun that he and Wilson have similar criminal justice philosophies and the office won’t see major changes.
He said Wilson was deserving of the position on DeWine’s team.
“No no has worked as hard as Andy has,” Driscoll said.
He said while the prosecutor’s office is losing a great person, the entire state is better off with Wilson in the governor’s office.
He’s worked at the prosecutor’s office since 2004. Driscoll has tried some of the offices biggest cases over the last couple of years including the murder case against Travis Hypes in 2018. Driscoll has tried numerous violent crime cases overall.
Driscoll was appointed the acting prosecutor at a commissioner emergency meeting Friday morning. Wilson turned in a letter of resignation on Thursday after a Columbus press conference where DeWine announced his cabinet.
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The Clark County Republican Central Committee met Thursday night to create a screening committee to help select the new leader, Harkins said.
Those interested in the job are asked to pick up an application at Harkins’ office, 333 N. Limestone St. Applications will be available starting Jan. 15. The deadline to submit an application is Jan. 28.
The screening committee will interview candidates on Feb. 2 and recommend a candidate to the central committee. The central committee will then interview the candidates themselves on Feb. 4.
The central committee is expected to make a selection on Feb. 21.
The seat is up for re-election in 2020.
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