Councilman appeals decision on recall effort

NEWTON FALLS

Newton Falls Councilman John Baryak Jr. has appealed the decision of the Trumbull County Board of Elections last month that authorized asking voters at the Nov. 5 election whether Baryak should be recalled from office.

Two Newton Falls residents filed petitions with the elections board in October for the recall on the grounds that Baryak failed to “fairly and properly conduct the business of the city, because of his failure to wisely spend the taxpayer’s money and for misfeasance in office.”

The county prosecutor’s office, which represents the elections board, has said Ohio law does not allow for appeals of board of elections decisions except in the case of “fraud, corruption, abuse of discretion, or a clear disregard of statues or applicable legal provisions.”