Attorney hired in sheriff’s race dispute

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners have approved the hiring of Atty. Donald McTigue of Columbus to defend the county board of elections in a dispute before the Ohio Supreme Court concerning the county sheriff’s race.

Sheriff Randall A. Wellington, who is seeking re-election, is asking the high court to disqualify his opponent, David P. Aey, from the March 4 Democratic primary ballot because the sheriff said Aey lacks the required supervisory experience.

The sheriff unsuccessfully asked the board of elections to disqualify Aey on Jan. 18. The high court is expected to decide the case early next month.

Thomas McCabe, elections director, told the commissioners outside counsel is necessary to avoid a conflict of interest and that McTigue has experience arguing before the high court.

Fees for McTigue, a Youngstown native, will be capped at $13,000, McCabe said. McTigue charges $375 an hour for his services; and his firm charges $250 an hour for its legal associates and $50 an hour for legal assistants.

In a brief special meeting, Commissioners Anthony Traficanti and John McNally voted Tuesday to hire McTigue. Commissioner David Ludt, who is Aey’s uncle, abstained.