Newton Falls mayor’s departure means he’s off the ballot

Former Newton Falls mayor resignation effective Tuesday

NEWTON FALLS -- With Ken Kline submitting his resignation as mayor effective Tuesday, he also will not be seeking re-election in the November general election.

Kline at Monday's village council meeting announced he was resigning to accept a government supervisor position at an area juvenile justice center. Because of his new position, the Ohio Revised Code will not permit him to serve as village mayor or in any elected political office.

Second Ward Councilman John Baryak, the vice president of village council, will assume the duties of mayor until year's end.

David Hanson is now the only candidate running for Newton Falls mayor in November.

Trumbull County Board of Elections Director Stephanie Penrose said when Hanson is elected, he will begin serving as mayor effective Jan. 1 when the new term begins.

Penrose said Kline's name will appear on the ballot, but information will be provided to Newton Falls voters at polling locations stating that Kline has withdrawn as a candidate. Also, those who vote by mail in Newton Falls will be sent a note saying votes for Kline won't count, she said.

The deadline for Kline to withdraw under state law has passed, Penrose said. Ballots haven't been printed, but she said state law doesn't permit the board to not include his name.

Kline had contacted the elections board about his plan to withdraw from the ballot, asking what steps he needed to take.

In a Monday email to the elections board, he wrote that he was resigning as mayor effective Tuesday and did not wish to run in the Nov. 7 election.

Kline began serving as mayor in 2020 after being elected in 2019.

He also has worked as a pastor of the First Christian Church in Newton Falls and previously was the chairman of the Trumbull County Republican Party.

Kline said he also has resigned as church pastor.