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Commissioner John Plecnik Wins James A. Garfield Leadership Award

By Contributing Writer on April 22, 2023

April 22, 2023

Commissioner John Plecnik wins James A. Garfield Leadership Award

LAKE COUNTY, Ohio – On April 20^th, Commissioner John Plecnik was recognized with the first-ever James A. Garfield Leadership Award by the Lake County Republican Party at their annual Lincoln Day dinner at the American-Croatian Lodge in Eastlake.

Chairman Dale Fellows of the Lake County Republican Party announced the creation of the James A. Garfield Leadership Award on April 20^th to remember the historic contributions of the 20^th President of the United States of America. The award will be presented to leaders who reflect the life and legacy of President Garfield, who lived and ran his historic “front porch campaign” as the Republican candidate for President in Lake County. President Garfield’s home and campaign headquarters in Mentor are now a national park by the name of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.

“President James A. Garfield was truly a man for all seasons. He served his community as a carpenter, lawyer, minister, professor, state senator, congressman, general, and ultimately, President of the United States of America. Like President Garfield, Commissioner John Plecnik is a man of faith, a brilliant lawyer and law professor whose research has been cited as authority by the Supreme Court of the United States, and a dedicated leader. As Library Trustee, Councilman and now our Lake County Commissioner, John never stops fighting for us. I am honored to present the very first James A. Garfield Leadership Award from the Lake County Republican Party to Commissioner John Plecnik,” said Chairman Dale Fellows.

“No historic figure from Ohio is more deserving of recognition than President James A. Garfield. As a lawyer, Garfield repeatedly argued before the Supreme Court of the United States. As a professor, Garfield taught Greek and Latin and became president of what is now Hiram College at the age of 26. As President Lincoln’s general and our congressman, he fought for equality and the abolition of slavery. Garfield ultimately became the first and only ordained minister to serve as President of the United States of America. While his time in the White House was short, Garfield’s love for country and his fellow citizens echoes throughout history to this very day. I am humbled to receive this leadership award in his name,” said Commissioner John Plecnik.