Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler appointed Liz Keating, a Republican, as interim replacement for Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld.

Sittenfeld is a Democrat who was indicted last month on six counts alleging honest services wire fraud, bribery, and attempted extortion by a government official.

This is the second appointment of a Republican by Judge Winkler in a year where three of the nine council members have been arrested.

Per Ohio statute, the Hamilton County Probate Court appoints a replacement when a council member is suspended.

If Sittenfeld is found guilty of the charges or resigns, four Democrats on Council named in his successor designation certificate would select his replacement.

Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld is the second councilman suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost after being arrested on federal bribery charges.

Sittenfeld voluntarily agreed to the temporary suspension without objection.

Additionally, Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler will appoint his temporary replacement next week.

Sittenfeld’s third term on council began in 2018 and ends at the end of 2021. 

Indiana State Sen. Luke Kenley is retiring effective September 30. He represented Senate District 20 for 25 years, and was re-elected in November 2016.

On September 6, a Republican caucus selected Victoria Spartz, current chief financial officer of the Attorney General’s Office, to replace Kenley and serve the remaining three years of his term.

Senate District 20 covers portions of Grant, Hamilton, Madison, and Tipton counties.