Apr 28, 2021
Niles residents have an opportunity to see several fresh new faces in their council at-Large representation, and we believe they should take it.
Four Democrats are seeking the nomination to fill three seats.
Jimmy Julian, 28, was appointed last month to fill the seat vacated when former Councilman at-Large Ryan McNaughton resigned. Also running now for at-Large seats are current 4th Ward Councilman Albert Cantola Jr., 60; political newcomer and downtown Niles businessman Richard Hale, 66; and longtime incumbent Councilman Michael Lastic, 77, a retired Niles City Schools principal.
All four candidates would like to see incoming federal stimulus money be allocated in large part to improving city infrastructure, particularly waterlines. Each spoke about the need for a plan, including studying where most water line breaks are occurring and tackling first the oldest areas of that infrastructure.
NILES Councilman at-Large Ryan McNaughton has submitted his letter of resignation from Niles City Council.
McNaughton submitted the letter to the Trumbull County Board of Elections on Friday and his final day on council will be Sunday. Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz confirmed McNaughton submitted the letter Friday.
“Because of my new job, I don’t really have a choice. I had to,” McNaughton said.
He said he is going to be the new vice president for government affairs for the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber.
“They recruited me, and it all happened very fast. I couldn’t say no to it,” McNaughton said.
nhawthorne@tribtoday.com
NILES Niles City Council decided in a 7-0 vote Monday to dismiss a case that questioned 4th Ward Councilman Al Cantola’s residency.
The decision during a hearing comes after an inquiry over several months into Cantola’s Vienna Avenue residency.
“That was the right decision for council to dismiss this issue. I’ve stated on the record that’s where I live. That’s all it’s ever been,” Cantola said.
“This has been a fishing expedition for months now for the city, and I’m sure a couple thousand-dollar bill for the city and the taxpayers that should have never been put on the table,” he continued. “Our city has much bigger things going on than to worry about a councilman’s residence, whose home burnt and who put his wife in a safe place. This has been a shame.”
nhawthorne@tribtoday.com
NILES The findings of an investigation over more than three months could mean the vacancy of the city’s 4th Ward council seat.
An investigation was launched in early September after another member of council, Councilman at-Large Ryan McNaughton, made an official request after noting current 4th Ward Councilman Al Cantola purchased a property at 9485 Howland Springs Road in Howland.
City law director Philip Zuzolo then had to choose someone to preside over the investigation. He chose attorney A. Joseph Fritz as the investigator based on his tenure with practicing law, among other things.
Fritz, who serves as Newton Falls’ law director, was then tasked with investigating the legality of Cantola remaining in the seat and concluded Cantola legally does not reside in the city and therefore should forfeit his council seat.