Warren, Ohio—The Trumbull County Board of Elections Friday unanimously certified the June 1 recall election for Newton Falls Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (4th Ward), but—this being a Newton Falls issue—the vote did not come without yet another controversy.

 

Village Law Director A. Joseph Fritz sent an electronic letter to the board Friday challenging certification because council’s vote to approve the recall earlier this week did not constitute a majority.  The vote was 2 in favor, 1 against and 1 abstention—Breymaier. Council has a vacancy in the at-Large seat since the recent resignation of Tarry Alberini, which is why there was no fifth vote.

 

“Clearly a vote of two "yeas" and one "nay" does not create a majority of City Council needed to pass the motion and the motion failed,” Fritz argued in his letter.

 

Stephanie Penrose, elections director, said the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office advised her otherwise. Regardless of Fritz’ contention, “the most important part” was the council vote, Penrose explained in relaying the prosecutor’s opinion.  Chairman Mark Alberini agreed.

 

“It’s a convoluted situation (and) in my mind, we should let the election proceed June 1,” Alberini said. The rest of the board agreed without dissent.

 

Messages have been left for Fritz requesting comment.

 

Penrose said that, as is customary, four full-time board employees—two Democrats and two Republicans—will serve as precinct poll workers.  The recall, however, means the board office will have to remain open for early voting throughout the Memorial Day Weekend preceding the election.

 

“We will let the will of the people be heard on June 1,” Alberini said.