4 show interest in opening Warren City Council post

Members should select Johnson’s replacement within 30 days of resignation

WARREN -- With 1st Ward Councilman Todd Johnson setting Thursday as his last day on council, the process to replace him is shifting into high gear.

Council President John Brown said he discussed with Warren Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa and Council Clerk Brenda Smith the steps that must be taken to replace Johnson.

He said Warren City Council will have 30 days from the date Johnson's resignation is accepted to appoint a replacement. Brown said the decision on a replacement will be made by council because Johnson is an independent.

Brown said if council does not pick a replacement within 30 days, then Mayor Doug Franklin would make the decision. Brown said he believes council will vote at its next council meeting Oct. 14 on whether to accept the resignation. He said he confirmed that Johnson has already notified the Trumbull County Board of Elections of his resignation date.

Brown said any resident of the 1st Ward interested in filling Johnson's unexpired term should send a letter of interest to Warren City Council Clerk Brenda Smith at 141 South St., Warren, Ohio, 44485. He also encouraged interested individuals to reach out to members of Warren City Council to discuss their interest in the position. The phone numbers of the council members are on the city's website.

Brown said several people reached out to him to let him know they were interested in being appointed to the position. One is Felicia Davis, wife of former Warren Water Department Director Bob Davis. Another is Larry Larson, who was 1st Ward councilman before Johnson.

Joseph Valimont, who ran against Johnson in November, losing 36.3% to 63.7%, also said he is interested. Valimont writes a 1st Ward newsletter that gives summaries of the legislation under consideration and other matters that arise at council meetings.

Another person who has expressed interest in the position is Kim Johnson, whose LinkedIn profile states he is an educational aide at Warren City Schools.

Councilwoman Helen Rucker, D-at Large, said those four are also the people she is aware of who have expressed an interest in filling Johnson's seat.