Salem mayor, councilman set aside their differences

By D. A. Wilkinson

The law director said that a recall law didn’t apply to the city.

SALEM — Republican Mayor Jerry Wolford and Democrat Councilman Justin Palmer shook hands at the end of Tuesday’s council meeting.

The light moment came after the two officials decided to work toward economic development, rather than fighting over the safety director’s post.

Council Democrats had eliminated the safety director’s position that Wolford had filled with Greg Oesch, a former Republican councilman. When the administration created the same position under another law, Palmer said he wouldn’t fund it. He’s chairman of the finance committee

But after meeting with Wolford, Palmer said they decided to work for the city’s best interests, especially economic development.

“We want to get all this behind us,” Wolford said.

Palmer said, “Bickering doesn’t get us anywhere.”

Oesch, who wasn’t present, will get his $8,400 annual salary.

David Johnson, the chairman of the Columbiana County Republican Party, had demanded records from the rules and ordinances committee that had recommended the elimination of Oesch’s post.

Johnson had also raised the possibility of recalling members of council.

But Atty. C. Brooke Zellers, the city’s law director, told council he had researched the law and found that city officials in Salem are not subject to recalls.

Council approved its total appropriations for the remainder of 2008 at $25 million.

That includes $5.4 million for the general fund that pays for police, fire and other basic services.

Palmer said that $10,000 has been set aside as an initial step to help economic development projects in the city.

The city’s income tax collections are only $15,000 behind 2007, according to city Treasurer Robert Tullis.

Palmer said that some funds were not fully funded for the year. The city’s finances at the end of the year will depend on how much money city offices return to the general fund.

A fund created earlier to help clean up the downtown has only been partially funded. The city plans to have a cleanup day April 19.

Joe Tray of South Lincoln Avenue said he was a spokesman for a group of citizens who wanted to meet about litter and unkempt properties. Council’s rules and ordinances committee set a meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

wilkinson@vindy.com