Group uses filings to delay hearing, official says

The city hopes to go to trial by June or July.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CAMPBELL -- City officials say naming Aqua Ohio a party to the lawsuit filed against the city by the Let Us Vote Committee is nothing more than a delaying tactic.
Law Director Brian Macala said at Wednesday's city council meeting that Aqua has nothing to do with the suit in which Let Us Vote challenged the validity of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sell the city's water treatment plant and distribution system to Aqua.
Let Us Vote, which filed the motion to involve Aqua, says the sale should not occur unless first approved at the ballot box. The group also filed a suit challenging a decision by city Finance Director John Leskovyansky to invalidate its referendum petition to force a vote on the sale in the November election.
Attorney change
Because he was subpoenaed as a witness, Atty. Macala could no longer represent the city, forcing Campbell to find another attorney, which further delayed the process. Atty. Martin Yavorcik was retained by the city to replace Macala, but still there has been no hearing on the matter.
"This is just plain asinine," said Mayor Jack Dill.
"We understood that once we had a new attorney, we'd have a hearing in two weeks. That has turned into two months, and still no hearing is scheduled," the mayor said.
"Our position is that Aqua's involvement in the litigation ... is not necessary. However, we will not appeal the motion and cause more delays. We hope to be in a courtroom by June or July," Macala said.
Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Timothy G. Welsh is hearing the cases.
alcorn@vindy.com