NILES, Ohio - As far as council is concerned, Al Cantola still resides in the city’s 4th Ward that the Democratic councilman represents despite an allegation and an independent finding that his primary residence is in Howland. A unanimous vote to dismiss the allegation followed an occasionally contentious meeting of more than 90 minutes Monday, which saw council eventually support Cantola’s Niles’ residency after splitting 4-3 against him only a few minutes earlier.

The issue first arose late last year when Councilman Ryan McNaughton, D-at large, sent a letter to Philip Zuzolo, the city law director, requesting an investigation following the purchase of the Howland home by Cantola and his wife. The couple had made their residence on Vienna Avenue in Niles—a home that had been damaged by fire. A “For Sale” sign there is prominently displayed. McNaughton also called on Cantola to resign.

Attorney A. Joseph Fritz, Newton Falls law director appointed by Zuzolo to conduct the probe, concluded from his investigation that Cantola is no longer a legal resident of Niles and should forfeit his council seat. He had described Cantola as uncooperative during his investigation. However, in response to questions from Cantola’s attorneys Gil Blair and Darren DeHaven, Fritz admitted that he had never asked the councilman if he still lives in Niles. “I stand by my report,” Fritz responded to the attorneys.  

Fritz had suggested a quo warranto action—a term meaning a challenge to an individual’s claim of public office—as possible action against Cantola, however Zuzolo said such action would have to be initiated by the county prosecutor and not by city council, which could not strip Cantola of his council seat had it voted against him.

Cantola testified that he still maintains his Niles’ residence and receives all his bills and other personal and legal mail there. He said his wife lives at the home in Howland but that he intends to stay put in the 4th Ward and that the mortgage lenders for the Howland residence accept those conditions. “My intent is to live at 208 Vienna Avenue indefinitely,” he testified even with his wife living in Howland. The comment apparently swayed council, which reconsidered and unanimously dismissed the allegation.

Surprisingly, McNaughton, who initially raised the residency issue, made the motion to dismiss.

21 News attempted to contact McNaughton for an explanation, but was unsuccessful.