High court denies Aey write-in reconsideration

Sheriff Wellington has no challenger Tuesday.

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Supreme Court has refused to clarify or reconsider its Oct. 24 order that disqualified David P. Aey as a write-in candidate for Mahoning County sheriff because he doesn’t meet the educational requirements for the job.

The top court announced Friday its denial of Aey’s motion for clarification and reconsideration, which was filed Thursday by Atty. Robert J. Rohrbaugh II.

Friday’s decision likely ends Aey’s candidacy, Rohrbaugh said. There’s time to file a federal appeal before Tuesday’s election, but it’s unlikely a federal court would rule before then, Rohrbaugh added.

With Aey disqualified, the incumbent Democratic Sheriff Randall A. Wellington, who is seeking re-election, will be unopposed Tuesday.

Thursday’s request for clarification and reconsideration included Aey’s Youngstown State University transcript that was not previously submitted to the high court. Rohrbaugh said Aey’s YSU transcript should be added to his Jefferson Community College transcript, which was previously put before the top court.

“This gentleman really does have the educational requirements,” Rohrbaugh said of Aey.

In a Metro digest item on Page B1 Thursday, it was incorrectly stated that the Mahoning County Board of Elections had denied Rohrbaugh’s request to permit Aey to be a write-in candidate.

Rohrbaugh had not made the request at the meeting and the board took no action.

Board members, however, stated at the Wednesday meeting and on Friday that they would follow the court decision unless directed by the court to do otherwise.

Wellington said Friday, “For me, this wasn’t about personalities but about principal and maintaining the integrity of the office of sheriff. I’m honored by the overwhelming support of the public, and I will continue working hard these next four years to maintain our community’s trust.”