Trumbull County Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa was recently invited to represent his county in a meeting with other officials hosted by the Warren Regional Chamber to discuss possible ways to spend American Rescue Plan money.

The meeting, however, was closed to the public and the media, though media did have a chance to ask questions after the meeting concluded.

Cantalamessa says that according to Ohio's sunshine law, a private meeting is not unlawful.


"There was one member of the Mahoning County Commissioners, one member of the Trumbull County Commissioners one member of the Howland Township Trustees and a member of the Boardman Township Trustees," said Cantalamessa. "As long as there's not more than one member which would constitute a quorum, you can have these types of meetings," he said.


He tells 21 News that no plans or decisions were made, just organization of thoughts and ideas.


"This session was to just bring everybody together, to brainstorm and to do so with the business community, with our economic development agencies and to pinpoint needs across the region," Cantalamessa said. 


Commissioner Niki Frenchko is advocating for more transparency in the county. She says she would've liked to have been a part of the conversation as she could have offered some ideas herself, but was more so concerned about the public not having a chance to physically be a part of the meeting.


"What's been upsetting is people have asked about it and I have no answers," said Frenchko. "So then when you call the Chamber for answers because you've got people asking you about it and they give you nothing it's frustrating," she said.


Cantalamessa tells 21 News that sometime in the future, these meetings will be open to the public.