WARREN Union leader plans to quit mayor's race

A predisciplinary hearing was conducted Monday.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The president of the city's largest union will withdraw from the mayor's race.
"In the best interest of my wife and children, I decided to continue my employment with the city and withdraw from the race," said Lee DeJacimo, president of the city's chapter of the Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees.
DeJacimo had filed to run as an independent for the seat. The decision came after a predisciplinary hearing Monday.
"As far as the city's concerned, the matter is closed," Mayor Hank Angelo said.
Opinion issued
Last week, Law Director Greg Hicks issued an opinion quoting Ohio law and the Ohio Administrative Code, saying that classified employees cannot participate in partisan political activity. Hicks' opinion came at the request of Fred Harris, safety-service director.
DeJacimo, who works in the water department, is a classified employee.
People in classified positions are prohibited from being candidates for a public office in a partisan election, filing petitions meeting statutory requirements for partisan candidacy to elective office and circulating nominating petitions for candidates participating in a partisan election, Hicks wrote.
If DeJacimo didn't withdraw, he could have lost his job.
DeJacimo said he would withdraw today. That will leave Dominic S. Venetti Sr. of Kenmore Avenue S.E. and Joe H. Williams of Chevelle Drive S.E., a former council president who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1999, also on the November ballot as independents.
Trumbull County Commissioner Michael J. O'Brien won the Democratic nomination earlier this month for the post, and Randy Law is the Republican candidate. Angelo didn't seek a third term.
"I wish Mike O'Brien the best of luck, and I think he'll be a fine mayor," DeJacimo said.