CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A familiar name has returned to Chillicothe’s legislative body.
Republican Julie Preston was appointed this week by the Ross County Republican Party to fill the vacant at-large city council seat, representing the entire city. The position became vacant after Dr. Allison Henderson resigned earlier in May to tend to her family and small business as an optometrist. Dr. Henderson, and her husband, Will are longtime residents of the town. The doctor previously held the position as Chillicothe’s 5th Ward representative from 2021-2023, before successfully running for the at-large position in November. Dr. Henderson was one of the most dedicated members of council, who was never afraid to speak up against administrative issues or raise concerns brought to her by citizens, even if they were unpopular or sensitive. Often times one of the lone “no” votes on some legislation, Dr. Henderson’s convictions to Christianity and family values often led her path.
Dr. Henderson was chairwoman of Chillicothe’s Parks and Recreation Board; that is the city department that maintains the parks and bike paths within Chillicothe’s city limits
Preston was appointed this week in a meeting by the Republican Central Committee. She assumed her role immediately upon taking the oath. She will finish Dr. Henderson’s un-expired term, which runs through 2025. Preston is not new to council. Having ran successfully for an at-large position in 2021 and helping secure a Republican super majority on city council, she served two years before becoming the party’s nominee for mayor last year.
“I’m happy to be back to continue to serve the citizens of Chillicothe in a council capacity,” Preston said to news media. “I look forward to working with the sitting council, city administration. and mayor. It is an exciting time to be in city government with so many great things going on in our city. There is still lots of work and many improvements to make. Allison will be greatly missed, especially in her capacity as chair of Parks and Rec. — which was her passion. I hope to continue the great push forward!”
Preston is a lifelong resident of Chillicothe and a 29-year local law enforcement veteran; 25 years with the Chillicothe Police Department and the last four years as a Ross County Sheriff’s deputy. She currently serves as a safety resource officer for Chillicothe City Schools and is a former DARE officer. She is married to fellow law enforcement and military veteran, Mike, who is a part of Sheriff George Lavender’s administration.
City Council is a 10-body panel, made up of nine council members — six ward representatives and three at-large members, as well as a chairman. Their regular meetings are held on the 2nd and the 4th Monday of every month at 7 pm. Meetings are held at Council Chambers, located at 26 South Paint Street.