(Posted May 12, 2017)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Jennifer Hitt is the city of London’s new law director.
In a special meeting on May 9, the Madison County Republican Central Committee appointed Hitt to replace Zahid Siddiqi, who resigned from the position in early April. Hitt was the only person to express interest in the vacant position. She will serve as law director through the end of this year. The remaining two years of Siddiqi’s unexpired term will be up for election on the November ballot.
Hitt has 10 years of experience as an attorney in private practice. She has practiced law in London since 2010. She received her bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University and her law degree from Capital University Law School. She has served as president of London city council since January 2016.
“Mrs. Hitt is uniquely qualified to represent the city of London as law director,” said Nicholas Adkins, central committee chairman. “Her familiarity with city council combined with her criminal law experience will greatly assist her in effectively serving this community.”
“I’m very excited for the pick. I think she’s going to do a wonderful job,” said Mayor Patrick Closser.
Upon receiving the appointment, Hitt submitted her resignation as council president to the Madison County Board of Elections. Because she was serving as an Independent, law stipulates that the mayor is responsible for naming a replacement.
“I will appoint someone by the next council meeting (May 18),” said Closser. That person will serve out the remainder of Hitt’s term, which expires at the end of this year.
Hitt ran for re-election in the May primary to retain her seat as council president. She won the primary. The law does not allow a person to hold two elected offices at the same time. If Hitt chooses to run for election to the remaining two years of the unexpired law director term, she will be required to withdraw her name from the November ballot for council president. If Hitt withdraws, it will be up to the Republican Central Committee to name a candidate to run in the November election. The responsibility lies with the committee because Hitt ran as a Republican in the primary.
