GREENVILLE — With the news that Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers is moving on to take a position with the Community Improvement Corporation of Darke County (CIC), the Republican Central Committee will be tasked with naming his replacement.

“It was an honor and privilege to serve as mayor,” said Bowers. “I’m taking it to the next level. I have an opportunity to work with the county on economic development and continue the successes that we’ve already had.”

Bowers was appointed in 2007 to the role of mayor himself when former Greenville Mayor Greg Fraley was on the ballot for reelection but resigned and took a position with a family business in Arizona. Fraley did complete his term, but Bowers replaced him on the election ballot.

Bowers was reelected to the position in 2011 and 2015, starting his third four-year term as mayor this past January.

The Republican Central committee will look to appoint someone to finish out Bower’s term as mayor that ends on Dec. 31, 2019. If the committee doesn’t fill the position, John Burkett, president of council, will serve as the city’s interim mayor.

Bower’s last day as mayor will be Aug. 31.

As far as naming his replacement, newly appointed Darke County Republican Party Chair Keith Threewits said, “That process has begun. There is to be an announcement in the paper. As to who is interested, I am not sure at this time.”

Darke County Commissioner Mike Rhoades, who is also on the central committee, said it will take the group some time before it will be able to decide on a new mayor.

“We have to wait 15 days before we can choose,” he said. “We will compile a list of individuals interested in the position, then conduct interviews.”

Rhoades said that while the entire central committee will take part in gathering names and vetting candidates, but only those central committee members living within Greenville City limits will be able to cast a vote on who they wish to be the new mayor.