Dispute over handling of appointments

One commissioner suggested the decisions could have waited until a new commissioner takes office.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Commissioner President Jim Hoppel is criticizing the way defeated commissioner Dave Cranmer handled four appointments to county boards and commissions during Wednesday's regular meeting.
Although nothing on Wednesday's agenda suggested that appointments would be made, Cranmer, a Democrat, motioned for and received approval to name several people to posts. Hoppel is a Republican.
The appointments came the day after Cranmer was defeated for a second term by Republican county Recorder Gary Williams.
Michael Ryan of Wellsville was reappointed to the Buckeye Water District's trustees board.
Myron Wehr of New Waterford, a former county planning commission member, was again named to the planning panel, replacing Michael Eckstein of Salem, who did not seek reappointment.
Paul Wise, who also serves as East Liverpool safety director, was reappointed to the planning commission.
Kenneth Smith was reappointed to the county port authority.
Commissioner Sean Logan, who with Cranmer makes up a Democrat majority on the commissioners board, voted for all the appointees.
Hoppel's votes
Hoppel voted for the appointments of Wise and Wehr because he said he's familiar with both men and favors having them serve. But he didn't vote for Smith and Ryan.
Hoppel said he believes others were interested in the water district and port authority posts.
Those individuals should have been given more of an opportunity to apply, Hoppel said.
He also expressed concern that decisions are being made now that will affect newly elected commissioner Williams when he takes office in January.
Williams and Hoppel will give the commissioner board a Republican majority.
The appointments could have waited, Hoppel said.
"Let him be concerned," Cranmer said of Hoppel's objections to the way the appointments were handled.
Cranmer said the appointees are all qualified and deserve the posts.