Metro digest || Referendums rejected in Newton Falls

Referendums rejected

WARREN — The attorney representing the Trumbull County Board of Elections has advised the board that contract extensions for Newton Falls Law Director Richard Schwartz and Police Chief John Kuivila are not subject to referendum.

As a result, Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor James Saker has advised the board not to place either of the referundums on the November 2010 ballot.

Newton Falls residents circulated petitions asking for a ballot issue to rescind the contract extensions, and they were turned over to the elections board to verify the signatures, said Kelly Pallante, elections board director.

The board verified that there were enough signatures on the petitions asking that Schwartz’s contract be rescinded but not enough for the measure regarding Kuivila, Pallante said.

Saker said the contract extensions are not eligible for the ballot because they are administrative, not legislative, and only legislative matters can be placed on the ballot.

Beaver house fire

NORTH LIMA — Beaver Township firefighters are investigating a blaze that destroyed a home on Mentzer Drive. Firefighters were called to the fire around 11:45 a.m. Thursday. No injuries were reported.