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DEAR EDITOR:
Before starting demolitions, the Trumbull County Council of Governments, or COG, and Trumbull County Engineer Randy Smith performed their due diligence by obtaining three legal opinions as to whether the Engineer's office was able to assist and work with the COG on demolitions in Trumbull County. Demolitions have been completed in Niles, Brookfield, Vienna and other communities. All demolitions were completed on properties owned by cities, villages and townships in Trumbull County. This has saved communities hundreds of thousands of dollars.
After saving the city of Niles over $100,000 on demolitions, former Trumbull County Engineer David DeChristofaro questioned the legality of demolitions that were performed by the COG and Engineer Smith. It is strange to note that the Niles Times building, which was demolished, was turned into a parking lot. This was legal, as per the Ohio Revised Code. An audit was completed by state Auditor Keith Faber and he has now determined that all the demolitions have been legal and proper.
The COG and Engineer Smith have not been found in violation of any laws and are in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code, despite what has been implied. No laws have been broken and there is no need for any expungements.
The COG and Engineer Smith expect to resume the demolitions to continue saving great sums of money for the cities, townships and villages in the coming year.
PHIL PEGG
Vienna Township trustee and COG president