Incoming Youngstown mayor Derrick McDowell's cabinet continues to take shape, largely filled out with holdovers from the outgoing administration.

But one whose time with the city goes back further, DeMaine Kitchen, has been selected as Community Planning and Economic Development Director. 

In Kitchen's previous role with the city, he resigned amid a sexual harassment investigation and a lawsuit settlement that cost the city tens of thousands of dollars. 

In 2013, Kitchen resigned as chief of staff to then-Mayor Chuck Sammarone, and an investigation later concluded Kitchen verbally harassed downtown events director Lyndsey Hughes.

In 2014, the city settled and paid $50,000 to its insurance company to resolve the case.

Councilmember Julius Oliver said the appointment should be viewed through the lens of Kitchen's experience and public service, and points to Kitchen's electoral history, noting voters repeatedly elected him to council and selected him as council president in 2017.

"I think that will tell you what the general public thinks of DeMaine Kitchen," Oliver said, "I would say that the general public believes in him and believes in his abilities. I would also say that DeMaine has mayoral-level knowledge and ability." 

Councilman Mike Ray said that responsibility for cabinet appointment rests solely with the incoming mayor, and as a councilman, he said it's his "responsibility to treat people fairly and make decisions that are in the best interest of the City of Youngstown. Any questions regarding Mayor McDowell's cabinet choices should be directed to him."

McDowell told 21 News that every cabinet selection based on qualifications and competencies will move Youngstown forward, and added that as the next mayor, he encourages the community to hold him accountable for the results of these cabinet decisions.