WASHINGTONVILLE Militia leader seeks council seat

He doesn't want the village to become part of Leetonia.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
WASHINGTONVILLE -- Don Vos, commander of the Columbiana County unorganized militia, has tossed his hat into the ring of village politics.
Vos, 47, operates a construction and demolition business and is a Washingtonville resident. He told council and Mayor Charles Morrow on Wednesday that he would like council to consider him for one of the council seats that will be vacant in January.
"You're more than welcome to give it a try," Morrow told Vos. "Then you'll get your eyes opened about how government runs here in our little town."
Vos later said he previously tried to file as a candidate for county sheriff and county clerk of courts, but did not secure enough petition signatures.
"That was a learning experience," Vos said. "You need a lot more signatures as an independent candidate than you do to run as a Republican or Democrat. Next time I try to get on a ballot, it will be as a Republican."
The militia is a private group that frequently challenges the role local, state and federal governments play in individuals' lives. The group has traditionally declined to state the number of its membership.
Vos gained some national exposure from the press when he went to Montana in 1996 to observe a standoff between the FBI and an anti-government group known as the Freemen.
During the standoff, Vos said he was willing to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Authorities didn't accept the offer.
Vacancies: There will be at least three council seats vacant in January, and if Vos is chosen, it will be by the vote of council.
Councilman Michael Donnalley is the only candidate on the Nov. 6 ballot for one of four council seats, and that as a write-in.
Incumbents Larry Dickson, Roy Hartman and Norman Sommers did not file, nor did any challengers. The terms of Councilwomen Theresa Allison and Laura Trummer expire in 2003.
Morrow, who has two years remaining on his term, presided over his final council meeting Tuesday. He announced Sept. 18 he would resign, effective Nov. 1.
Hartman, who is council president, said he will decide by the Oct. 16 council meeting if he will complete Morrow's term.
If Hartman declines, the mayor's post, as well as the vacant council seats, will be filled by council appointment.
Village's survival: Vos said several residents asked him to run for mayor. He was told by board of elections officials, however, that Morrow resigned too close to the Nov. 6 election for the mayor's race to be on the ballot.
"I think we have a good village and I don't want it to become part of Leetonia," Vos said. "If we don't have enough people on council, then we'll be in a position where it would be easy for that to take place.
"You have to make some sacrifices for a good community and if my serving on council will help ensure it stays Washingtonville, then I'm willing to do that."
Morrow has said the best way for the village to survive financially is a merger with Leetonia. The villages share a school system, Judy Garlough is the clerk of both councils, and Leetonia Fire Department provides fire protection for Washingtonville.
Resignation reasons: Morrow said he resigned over constant opposition from residents, village employees, some council members, and the press. Morrow and police have been at odds during his tenure and, on one occasion, most of the department resigned.
"I don't like criticism," he said.
He said he received numerous cards, letters and phone calls from people asking him not to resign, but he won't change his mind.
"I was in business here 51 years [television and repair] and I thought I should give something back to the village," he said. "I thought I had a lot of opposition. It wasn't until I resigned that I found out how many people were behind me."