High court removes Aey from ballot, Wellington unopposed

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered the name of David P. Aey removed from the March 4 Democratic Primary ballot leaving incumbent Mahoning County Sheriff Randall Wellington unopposed in that primary.

In issuing its ruling this morning, the high court granted the writ of prohibition Wellington had sought. The writ bars the Mahoning County Board of Elections from placing Aey’s name on the ballot.

The high court agreed with Wellington’s contention that Aey does not meet the supervisory experience requirements set forth in state law because he never held the rank of corporal or above in a law enforcement agency.

The top court ruled that the county board of elections “abused its discretion” by denying Wellington’s protest and placing Aey’s name on the ballot. “Sheriff Wellington has established his entitlement to the requested extraordinary relief,” the court said.

The expedited ruling was by a 5-1 vote, with Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer and Justices Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, Terrence O’Donnell, Judith Ann Lanzinger and Robert R. Cupp concurring, Justice Paul E. Pfeifer dissenting and Justice Maureen O’Connor not participating.