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Beleaguered Niles auditor to resign Sept. 15
By Jordan Cohen
NILES
Charles Nader, long-time auditor who had been tasked with updating city financial records in the wake of its fiscal emergency, has submitted his resignation effective Sept. 15 to the Trumbull County Board of Elections.
Nader, 62, whose term would have expired at the end of the year, plans to retire. He had not sought re-election.
Nader, in office since October 2006, earlier endured criticism from several council members for his handling of payroll records and their transition to a new software system as part of the city’s recovery plan. The transition took longer than he had originally estimated.
“My decision has nothing to do with any of that,” Nader said Thursday. He said he chose to retire early to take advantage of retirement benefits before they change.
“A fresh face and new ideas may help unite the city … I hope so,” said Nader, who indicated he has “no specific plans” after he retires.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the transition goes with the new auditor,” said Councilman Steve Papalas, D-at large, one of Nader’s occasional critics.
“Chuck is a truly good person, but I think right now we need someone to make tough decisions” said John Davis, a member of the fiscal commission responsible for overseeing the city’s recovery from fiscal emergency.
Nader’s likely replacement is Councilman Giovanne Merlo, D-2nd, who ran unopposed for auditor in the primary election and has no opposition in November. According to Trumbull County Commissioner Dan Polivka, Democratic Party chairman, no one other than Merlo has expressed an interest in filling Nader’s unexpired term.
“He’d be my recommendation,” Polivka said.
Polivka said that under state law, the party’s central committee and Niles precinct committee members have five to 45 days after the resignation becomes effective to select a replacement.
“I’m thinking we’ll do that either the last week of September or first week in October,” Polivka said.
“That’s too long to wait,” responded Merlo. “The committee needs to act as soon as possible (because) waiting could hinder our (financial) operations.” He said the city, struggling with fiscal emergency, cannot afford to leave the leadership position in the auditor’s office vacant for several weeks.
If chosen, Merlo would have to resign from council. Polivka said his likely replacement would be Steven Mientkiewicz, the Democratic candidate in November. He, too, has no Republican opponent.
Polivka said he is not certain if both party votes will take place at the same time.