Wayne Allen | Daily Times

John Haas was sworn in Friday afternoon as the Portsmouth City Solicitor. Pictured are Ethan Haas (left), John Haas (left center) Susan Haas (center) and Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Matthew McFarland.

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Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Portsmouth attorney John Haas, flanked by his wife Susan and son Ethan, took the oath of office Friday to become Portsmouth City Solicitor. In doing so, he will be filling the last three years of the term of former Solicitor Mike Jones, who resigned to become magistrate in the Scioto County Common Pleas Court Domestic Court Division.

Haas was sworn in by Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Matthew McFarland in McFarland’s courtroom in the Scioto County Court House.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching Mike (Jones) over the last three years deal with City Council and all that comes with that,” Haas said. “And I only hope I can be half as good as he is. He’s done a great job. He’s handled people very well.”

Haas said as he looks toward the coming three years, there are a lot of challenges.

“On the one hand I’m apprehensive, nervous, and a little fearful about taking on this responsibility, hoping I can live up to the standards that have been set, and the public’s expectations of me,” Haas said. “I do know, however, that with the Council that we have, the mayor that we have now, Mr. (David) Malone, the judges, (Russell) Kegley and (Steven) Mowery, I think we have a good team, and with their help, I think we can move the city forward and keep it headed in the right direction.”

Haas said he believes the city has a lot of potential.

“I think we have a team that we have gotten together that we can keep it moving toward that potential,” Haas said.

The courtroom was filled to capacity with friends and family, fellow attorney’s, including Jones, government officials, and the public.

McFarland opened the ceremony with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and gave some opening remarks, before Susan Haas held the bible for her husbands swearing in. Haas recently resigned his seat as Fifth Ward City Councilman and President of Portsmouth City Council to apply to fill the unexpired term.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com