3 removed from Lucas County elections board

DeGidio, Rothenbuhler, Stainbrook out; Irish suspended

6/5/2014
BLADE STAFF

COLUMBUS — Three members of the embattled Lucas County Board of Elections were removed from their positions today by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

Board members Jon Stainbrook, Ron Rothenbuhler, and Tony DeGidio were removed by Mr. Husted following a review by a transparency committee he appointed.

Board member John Irish has been suspended until new board members are sworn in, according to a letter Mr. Husted addressed to Lucas County voters today.

RELATED CONTENT:

■ Letter from Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted to voters

■ Hearing officer‘‍s report and recommendations

Director Gina Kaczala will remain, though Mr. Husted noted “she is not blameless.” He indicated she is to remain interim “for the sake of the immediate administrative and operational needs” of the board.

Deputy Dan DeAngelis resigned effective June 2 before he and others were scheduled to appear last month before a state hearing officer to defend their jobs. Mr. Husted appointed LaVera Scott as interim deputy director until a new board is sworn in and hires someone for the spot.

“It was always my hope that the Lucas County Board of Elections would work to resolve their issues locally. However, after several interventions by my office, and the unprecedented undertaking of the transparency committee culminating with this removal process, it is clear that change at the Lucas County Board of Elections is necessary,” Mr. Husted wrote.

Mr. Husted stated a “culture of dysfunction” plagued the board of elections and pledged not to appoint anyone connected to past problems to the board.