 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Vern Riffe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 96thSpeaker of the Ohio House of Representatives | |
| In office January 6, 1975 - January 2, 1995 | |
| Preceded by | A. G. Lancione |
| Succeeded by | Jo Ann Davidson |
| Member of theOhio House of Representatives from the 92nd district | |
| In office January 3, 1967 – December 31, 1994 | |
| Preceded by | District established |
| Succeeded by | William L. Ogg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1925-06-25)June 25, 1925 |
| Died | July 31, 1997(1997-07-31) (aged 72) |
| Party | Democratic |
Vernal G. Riffe Jr. (June 26, 1925 – July 31, 1997)[1] was an American politician and member of theDemocratic Party. Riffe served in theOhio House of Representatives for 36 years, from 1959 to 1995, and served as speaker for 19 years, from 1975 to 1994.
Vern Riffe's father, Vernal G. Riffe, Sr., was involved in local government in their hometown ofNew Boston, Ohio, holding positions such as mayor, safety director, and police officer.[1]
Riffe was a moderate Democrat.[2] He represented the 92nd District, which includedSouthern Ohio.[3] He worked to secure funding for development projects in Southern Ohio.[2] These projects includedShawnee State University inPortsmouth[2] andState Route 32, which has been referred to as both the "Highway to Nowhere" and the Appalachian Highway.[2][3]
Several state entities and programs in Ohio were named after Riffe. These include the Vernal Riffe Chair atOhio State University, the Vernal G. Riffe Building at Ohio State, theVern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts in Columbus, and the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts inPortsmouth.
Thelma L. Riffe, Riffe's widow, died on August 4, 2010. Both are buried at Memorial Burial Park inWheelersburg, Ohio.
An autobiographical book,Whatever's Fair, co-written byCliff Treyens, a formerColumbus Dispatch writer, was published in the spring of 2007.[2] A gathering of family, friends, and former political colleagues was held the day before Riffe's birthday at the Portsmouth Welcome Center to introduce the book.[3]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
