TRUMBULL COUNTY Vienna woman raises question over township trustee's residency

The trustee reported he had a bedroom and office in the township.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A Vienna woman has filed a complaint with the Trumbull County Board of Elections questioning the residency of township Trustee John E. Hinely Jr.
Roseann F. Kennedy wrote the elections board that it's her understanding Hinely has lived in Lake Milton in western Mahoning County for several months and possibly as long as two years.
"Many voters in our community are aware of this situation and are strongly opposed to him remaining as a trustee of our township," the Sodom-Hutchings Road woman wrote.
Township clerk Margaret S. DeRubba said Wednesday the question of Hinely's residency surfaced during Monday's regular meeting of trustees.
DeRubba said Hinely explained at the meeting he has an office and bedroom at 3999 Warren-Sharon Road in Vienna and a Lake Milton summer home.
"That's his explanation," Kennedy responded Wednesday.
DeRubba said Hinely's mail is delivered to a post office box in Vienna and his son John III and daughter-in-law live in the Vienna house.
Seeking resignation
Trustee Mark S. Finamore said two residents asked Hinely to resign at Monday's meeting.
Hinely could not be reached Wednesday in either Vienna or Lake Milton. He has a Lake Milton telephone number.
Kennedy said the residency question is not personal.
"I think he is robbing the township," she said, noting that he should reimburse the community the money he was paid while living in Lake Milton.
Hinely, who is ending his second four-year term, is paid about $8,000 annually as a trustee.
Kennedy said residency is not established by where a person owns property, but rather where the person spends most of his or her time.
Lawyer's comments
Finamore, an attorney who specializes in township law, said residency is open to interpretation.
An opinion on residency by the Ohio Attorney General's Office, he explained, takes into account where a person votes, where the person owns property, registers vehicles and where the person physically lives.
The elections board has scheduled a hearing on the question for 10 a.m. July 18.
Finamore said the board can refer the case to the county prosecutor.
Kennedy is also questioning the legality of the votes Hinely has cast.
Kennedy said she is not a candidate for trustee in November but she is supporting Shirley Wittenauer, who will challenge Hinely if he decides to seek re-election.
yovich@vindy.com