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Johnson takes seat on council after Ohio Supreme Court’s ruling

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By Skip Weaver, Staff Writer 10:15 PM Tuesday, January 24, 2012

CARLISLE — After nearly seven months of waiting, Terry Johnson finally took his seat Tuesday night with Carlisle Village Council.

“I was little nervous not knowing what to expect,” Johnson said. “But I feel a lot more comfortable now. It was a good, productive meeting.”

The Ohio Supreme Court recently overturned a decision by the Village Council to appoint Scott Richardson to the seat.

The unanimous decision by the state’s highest court said Johnson, who former Carlisle Mayor Tim Humphries chose for the position, should have been appointed in July.

Richardson and Johnson were two of three people who Council considered to fill the unexpired term of Chad S. Johnson, who resigned his seat effective June 1, 2011. Cheryl Sweezy was the other.

A vote from the remaining six Council members determined that Richardson, who received three of the votes, would be appointed to the seat. Based on the village charter, Law Director David Chicarelli concluded, according to the Court’s ruling, that to be a proper majority for appointment.

In its ruling, the court upheld Johnson’s claim, saying that Richardson did not receive a “majority” vote.

Johnson said part of the nervousness was not knowing how he would be accepted.

“It seems to be for the most part over,” Johnson said. “Most of them have welcomed me and I’m excited to get involved.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852, or Skip.Weaver@coxinc.com.

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