Trustee says he will stop efforts for dismissal

The zoning commission chairman said it's an 'abuse of power.'
By MARY R. SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
MINERAL RIDGE -- Weathersfield Township Trustee John Vogel says he will drop efforts to get Zoning Commission Chairman Richard Harkins dismissed.
Vogel said Monday that he will wait to try to persuade the other two trustees not to reappoint Harkins when Harkins' term expires at the end of the year.
At a special meeting earlier in the day, trustees had tentatively scheduled a hearing for June 19 on the allegations Vogel previously leveled against Harkins. Vogel said after the meeting that he will ask that the hearing not be held.
Vogel had contended at an April 11 meeting that Harkins has engaged in an ongoing series of activities to undermine the agenda of the trustees. He said Harkins' engagement in "absolutely partisan activities" is counterproductive to the efforts of the legally elected leadership of the township.
He added Monday that the differences between him and Harkins are political.
"It's a political fight," Vogel said.
Harkins, reached at home after Monday's meeting, said: "The alleged charges are a personal vendetta John Vogel has against Rich Harkins. It's abuse of power."
He added, "In the end the truth will come out and justice will prevail."