Falls residents seek to oust councilman
Petition calls for recall vote on Axiotis in fall 2027 election
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NEWTON FALLS -- Residents of the village's 2nd Ward are seeking to recall Councilman Brian Axiotis, claiming he is neglecting his ward and that he mocks and degrades residents on social media.
Residents Charlotte Simmons and Debra Earl have a petition to recall Axiotis in the May 2027 primary election with 183 signatures for the Trumbull County Board of Elections.
The petition was presented to Village Clerk Corey Snow, who will take the signatures to the board for review.
Simmons said they needed a minimum of 174 signatures to get the recall on the ballot, but were able to get 183.
"This will allow the people of the 2nd Ward to cast our vote whether you stay or leave office. Thanks to all the residents who signed the petition,'' Simmons said.
Simmons also presented to members of council and Mayor David Hanson the reasons they want Axiotis recalled in a paper with the heading "Recall Brian Axiotis. Ward 2 deserves better."
The list includes accusations that Axiotis has mocked and publicly degraded his own constituents on social media and also has failed to follow the village charter.
Axiotis was also given a copy, which he crumpled up and threw in a nearby trash can.
Resident Julie Lemon said she is concerned with the way some members of council have acted at meetings.
She said she was shocked at Axiotis' demeanor.
"There is no respect. He tore up and threw away the paper. That is what he thinks of his constituents. That is terrible,'' Lemon said.
Axiotis said he ran for council to get involved and change the problems caused by the decisions of past administrations, which resulted in a series of lawsuits when people were removed from office.
He said he has focused on getting a village manager in place, getting the police department back and addressing utilities.
"There are certain people out there who are toxic when they come to these meetings,''Axiotis said.
He said what was on the paper criticizing him ''was a bunch of lies''and if people want to recall him, "let them."
Axiotis said he has always acted professionally at meetings and has returned calls from concerned residents. He said his term ends in December 2027 and he is not sure if he will seek reelection
He said finding anyone who will serve on council will be difficult since it was a challenge to find someone for the 3rd Ward.
"I feel we have things in place with solid leadership," Axiotis said. "Instead some of you want to tear apart the community."
Lemon said she is not happy with the behavior of her 1st Ward councilman, Brian Kropp, and added she is looking to have him recalled.
Kropp defended Axiotis, noting he works hard to do what is best not only for the 2nd Ward but the entire community.
He said the same people come to meetings and make personal attacks.
"This council and administration have worked hard to move the city forward. This recall is ridiculous,'' Kropp said.
Recall petitions, he said, will make it difficult to fill positions.
"No one wants to fill these spots," Kropp said. "Everyone up here is making sacrifices for the community. Angry people come here and try and tear people down instead of getting involved and trying to help.''
Kropp's wife, Samantha Kropp, said she understands people can disagree on issues or personal decisions but is angered when people are personally attacked, harassed and intimidated.
She said important issues need to be addressed such as the parks, finances and infrastructure in the community and instead of helping spend time addressing those issues, some residents are personally attacking people who are trying to move the village forward and focus on the future.
"There are important issues for the community and where we should be focused. Newton Falls deserves to move forward,'' Samantha Kropp said.
Lemon also said she was concerned that the Little Red Reading Box, which has books for the public to take or borrow and replace with other books, was removed from the downtown area.