Park official finishes term

Council is expected to select a new commission member Jan. 5.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

CITY HALL REPORTER

YOUNGSTOWN — The park and recreation commission member who served as its spokesman in opposition to how the city placed amendments on last month’s ballot to overhaul the agency is probably gone from the board.

Voters overwhelmingly approved three of the four amendments last month, taking away much of the commission’s autonomy.

The five-year term of Michael A. James, appointed by city council, expires Monday. He said his goodbyes Thursday at the commission’s last meeting of the year and received a plaque honoring him.

James said he’d consider serving another five-year term if council reappoints him. The incoming city council will hold its reorganization meeting Jan. 5; selecting a new park and recreation commission member is expected to be on the agenda.

Councilman-elect Jamael Tito Brown, D-3rd, said the incoming members haven’t made a decision yet on the commission appointment. Its members will consider anyone who expresses interest, he said.

Mayor Jay Williams said he told incoming council members that they must select a park and recreation commission member shortly as one of their first decisions, but he hasn’t suggested any names.

“The new council may come in with their own agenda and their own appointments,” James said.

On behalf of the commission, James filed a protest with the Mahoning County Board of Elections to stop the placement of four charter amendments making significant changes to the agency on the November ballot. James contended city council didn’t have the authority to put the issues on the ballot. The protest was dismissed by the elections board.

Before the dismissal, Williams wrote a letter to city council specifically pointing out that James filed the objection on behalf of the commission.

“I did think it appropriate to make you aware that Mr. James filed the protest challenging the authority of the body he is appointed to represent and alleging that the same body violated the city charter and state constitution,” Williams wrote.

During the time leading to the November vote, some city council members considered removing James from his position.

Asked if his goodbyes and plaque were payback for being the commission’s lead voice on the amendment issue, James said, “Whether I thought it or not, I couldn’t substantiate it.”

James said he is willing to devote his time to move the department forward in any capacity, official or unofficial.

skolnick@vindy.com