YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Just two months after he was appointed to the Mill Creek Metroparks board, Mike Senchak has resigned. Probate Judge Robert Rusu, who appoints members to the Mill Creek Board, says Senchak only cited personal reasons. He doesn't believe it has anything to do with the recent controversy surrounding the park. 

Rusu announced that he will form a selection committee of citizens to screen potential applicants for Senchak's position. He says the committee will consist of individuals that are concerned with the park, and who have knowledge and a connection to the park.

"I'm gonna let everybody have a seat at the table, let them choose the candidates that come to me," says Rusu. "I want somebody to be able to be a good advocate but also be willing to compromise when compromise is necessary, that's a good leader."

After screening the potential candidates, the selection committee will then recommend 5 to 7 finalists to Rusu.

Ohio law has given Probate Judges the authority to appoint park board commissioners for more than a hundred years. State Representative John Boccieri wants to change that. He's drafting legislation for that authority to go to County Commissioners.

"There are millions of dollars that they are working on and with tight budgets and strained resources," says Boccieri. "I feel they need to be more attentive to an elected body and that would be the commissioners"

Judge Rusu disagrees with Boccieri because he says the current procedure has been beyond sufficient and the reason it has worked, is simple.

"Probate Judges role is the least political role as a county elected position so its thought of that the judge could appoint people that are doing it for the right reasons, not for political gain."

Judge Rusu says he hopes to have the committee in place in 3 to 4 weeks and interviewing finalists in a few months.