County to appoint attorney in Wellington election challenge

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County commissioners were expected today to approve hiring an attorney to defend the board of elections in a legal proceeding in front of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Sheriff Randall A. Wellington filed a legal motion in Supreme Court last week asking the elections board to remove the name of David P. Aey, his challenger, from the March 4 Democratic primary.

The elections board ruled Jan. 18 that Aey is eligible to run for sheriff over Wellington’s objection and its members aren’t reconsidering its decision. Wellington contends Aey doesn’t meet the minimum supervisory requirements under state law to be a sheriff candidate.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide on the case as soon as late next week.

Commissioners called a special meeting for 10:30 a.m. today to appoint Donald McTigue of Columbus, a former Youngstown native, to serve as the county’s attorney in the Supreme Court proceeding.

McTigue’s hourly rate will be determined at today’s meeting.