Tuscarawas County Commissioner Chris Abbuhl retires after 20 years
Tuscarawas County Commissioner Chris Abbuhl
Chris Abbuhl is stepping down after serving as a Tuscarawas County commissioner for 20 years. He did not seek reelection.
Over the years he worked at other jobs; however, he always wanted to do something in public service full-time. He was able to accomplish that as Tuscarawas County commissioner.
“I felt the timing was right to step down, and the county is in a good financial position,” Abbuhl said. “My motto when I was elected, it is important to communicate with one another and work as a team for a better tomorrow. I was fortunate to work with good commissioners. They each have special merits and accomplishments. I don’t have any specific plans. Really, I have enjoyed my entire time as a commissioner.”
Abbuhl was able to work to clean up the former Ohio Department of Transportation property on West High Avenue in New Philadelphia. He said the property sat vacant for 13 years.
“Ted Strickland was the Ohio governor, and we had to get authorization from the state to clean up the site. The funds were provided from the Clean Ohio fund. At the time Jolene Molitoris was the director of ODOT and was instrumental in helping us,” he said, “It was such an eyesore. The state donated it to the county, and we worked with the Economic Development, and then realtor Kathy Pietro marketed the site to sell. It was no real cost to the county to clean it up.”
Abbuhl said he never did anything alone but always worked with many individuals and entities over the years. He feels very fortunate to have served the county.
Abbuhl and his wife Pam have two children — Rachel Maxwell and Tyler Abbuhl — and four grandchildren.