Husted: Elections board members may appeal

5 in Lucas Co. recommended for removal by transparency panel

5/12/2014

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has notified five people in the Lucas County Board of Elections that they have been recommended for removal — but they will have the opportunity of a hearing Thursday.

Mr. Husted’s notice today follows the recommendation made on Friday by a special transparency committee investigating operational problems with the local board.

In his letter, Mr. Husted said the investigations revealed dysfunction and neglect in the operations of the board.

That committee called for the removal of board members Ron Rothenbuhler, a Democrat, and the two Republicans, Jon Stainbrook and Tony DeGidio. The committee also recommended removing Director Gina Kaczala, a Republican, and Deputy Director Dan DeAngelis, a Democrat.

The five will have an opportunity to appeal at 9 a.m. Thursday in Toledo to a hearing officer.

The committee held four lengthy hearings and unearthed complaints about bickering, sick leave abuse, an allegation of sabotage, and tampering with voter records. It found that the board failed to send campaign finance reporting violations to the Ohio Elections Commission and that the board has failed since last year to schedule regular meetings.