Vienna Fiscal Officer resigns, accuses trustee of ethics violations
VIENNA TWP., Ohio - Vienna Township Fiscal Officer Jason Miner is resigning.
In a statement, Miner says that after discussions with the incoming fiscal officer Heidi Brown, Miner decided he will resign effective November 1st.
Vienna Township Trustees appointed Miner as their fiscal officer, after former fiscal officer Linda McCullough was accused of, and subsequently sentenced for, misappropriating township funds.
In the statement, Miner highlights the progress he's made in the township, and the recovery he's been able to achieve with other trustees, saying "In the past 11 months, I’ve had the opportunity to serve this township and its people - an extraordinary honor that will not be forgotten. We’ve made incredible progress in this time, including paying down significant amounts of debt, restarting our EMS program, and the implementation of stringent fiscal controls."
In the statement, Miner then goes on to praise township trustees Mike Haddle and Richie Dascenzo, saying they have brought innovative ideas and a deep care to fixing the township's financial problems.
Miner also goes on to question the mindset of trustee Phil Pegg, saying "The actions of this trustee, some of which are likely ethical violations, present a clear message: Phil Pegg is not interested in doing the right thing. He remains stuck in the past. Let this serve as a reminder that, throughout the whole process, Phil
has not admitted guilt."
You can read Miner's full statement below:
Trustees,
After discussions with the incoming Fiscal Officer, I have decided that I will resign,
effective November 1st, 2025. It is my belief that giving Heidi a fresh start on the 1st of the
month vs the beginning is in the best interest of the township. I have offered to assist Heidi, on
an unpaid basis, with whatever she may need during this period of transition. My only will is for
Vienna Township to stay the course.
In the past 11 months, I’ve had the opportunity to serve this township and its people - an
extraordinary honor that will not be forgotten. We’ve made incredible progress in this time,
including paying down significant amounts of debt, restarting our EMS program, and the
implementation of stringent fiscal controls. If the township continues on this course, I am
confident it will prosper.
The employees of Vienna Township are second to none. Ron and Jason do an excellent
job, and have taken the Road Department to a new level. Chief Darbey and the Police
Department do an excellent job, and I am thankful for them and the work they do. Chief Birch
and our EMS Duty Crew are a welcomed sight. This township owes the Chief and Lt. Haddle a
“thank you” for leading the charge to bring back EMS services. Mark and Stephanie do an
excellent job handling zoning for the township. While I haven’t always seen eye to eye with our
department heads, we’ve always found a way to get the job done. They are caring people who I
will sincerely miss working with. I remain excited about the prospect of their respective
departments.
Trustee Mike Haddle and Trustee Richie Dascenzo have been unbeaten in their care for
the township. Mike has brought innovative ideas that have helped move us forward. As Richie
admits, part of the responsibility for the condition of our township lies in his lap. I have great
respect for his willingness to admit responsibility, but also his deep desire to fix it. Unlike his
counterpart, Trustee Dascenzo has been committed to correcting the mistakes of the past. It has
been an honor and pleasure working with you both.
I remain gravely concerned at the mindset and actions of Trustee Phil Pegg. From day
one, Phil has been hostile to new ideas, and seems to be living in the Linda McCullough days.
When I have attempted to implement new rules to bring the township into compliance with AOS
recommendation, I have been met with resistance. The “King” mindset by this trustee will hinder
future growth of the township. The actions of this trustee, some of which are likely ethical
violations, present a clear message: Phil Pegg is not interested in doing the right thing. He
remains stuck in the past. Let this serve as a reminder that, throughout the whole process, Phil
has not admitted guilt. In fact, he shifts it all to the former fiscal officer. Do not be fooled,
Vienna, Phil is just as big a problem as Linda was. Remain vigilant - Phil will cling to any power
you give him.
In closing, I want to thank our employees, Trustee Haddle and Trustee Dascenzo, and the people
of Vienna Township for allowing me to serve you. While my tenure has certainly not been
perfect, it has been productive, and I look forward to serving you all again in a different capacity
very soon.
Respectfully,
Jason A. Miner
Fiscal Officer
Trustee Pegg declined to comment on Monday, but did specify that he would issuing a statement in response on Thursday, October 23, at the Cortland Optomist Club, located at 2619 Hoagland Blackstub Road in Warren at 5:30 p.m.
