Niles tables measure to ban drivers’ cell-phone use

NILES — City council Wednesday tabled the controversial ordinance that would place restrictions on hand-held use of cell phones while driving through the city.

Council members plan to have committee meetings to discuss a number of objections raised by residents about the proposal. Those meetings have not been scheduled.

Council also plans to have a special meeting Friday to draft a resolution in opposition to Issue 3 that would create four gambling casinos in Ohio.

Council scheduled the session after hearing an emotional plea from Atty. David Betras, Mahoning County Democratic Party chairman, who opposes the issue on the grounds that it will not bring new jobs to the area and will permanently block the Mahoning Valley from having its own casino.