Pritchard honored as he leaves office

By Elise Franco

The township trustees unanimously voted against renewal of a liquor license for the Go Go Cabaret.

AUSTINTOWN — Township trustees said they will continue to object to the liquor license renewal for The Go Go Cabaret.

The trustees voted unanimously during their meeting Wednesday against the annual renewal of the license for 2010. Trustee David Ditzler said it’s a continuation of the objection the board made last year for the Go Go on Clarkins Drive in the township.

“This is for the new [renewal] coming up in 2010 to let the liquor board know we still have the same issues with the establishment,” he said.

The resolution stated employees of the cabaret have broken the law by serving alcohol to underage patrons.

Trustee Lisa Oles said its for that reason that the trustees will continue to object to the renewal.

“We normally approve them when a person abides by the law,” she said. “The township feels that establishment hasn’t done that.”

The trustees originally objected to the renewal of the liquor license for 2009, but club owner Sebastian Rucci was granted a stay of execution. An appeal case is pending before the Ohio Liquor Control Commission and is scheduled for a hearing in February.

Rucci previously said the stay enables the club to continue its sale of alcohol until a decision is made on the appeal.

Wednesday’s meeting also marked the end of a 16-year run as trustee for Warren “Bo” Pritchard, 53, who was defeated in the November election. He will be replaced by James Davis, who will be sworn into office in January.

The township administration presented Pritchard with a plaque and official proclamation.

“I have the unique privilege of giving this proclamation to another individual who has done great things for our community,” said Fiscal Officer Michael Kurish.

Pritchard said he will leave the position with many good memories and few regrets.

“The best thing about this job is the people I work with,” he said. “They are some of the best public servants in America, and I know this because of their dedication to this community.”

efranco@vindy.com