BY RICHELLE THOMPSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON -- It's a day for the history books.
This city's first recall vote in its 196-year history starts today at 6:30 a.m. Polls at the 11 city precincts will be open until 7:30 p.m.
Either Councilwoman Mary-Ann Cole will retain her seat, or she will be recalled and candidate John McComb will replace her. It has been one of the most expensive and brutal council races in Lebanon's history.
Ms. Cole and People for a Brighter Future, the group that pushed for the special election, had spent $8,000 by May 14 when the finance reports were filed with the Warren County Board of Elections.
The tally undoubtedly has increased in the past 12 days.
Campaigning turned harsh in the final week. Former council members took an ad in a newspaper supporting the recall. So did three current council members.
Another former councilman and prominent real estate broker, George Henkle, advertised his opposition to the recall.
Green and red campaign signs plastered the yards, making Lebanon look a bit like Christmas in May.
The recall vote has deepened the divisiveness among council members.
And at their next meeting, June 9, they'll have to revisit the two issues that have driven this recall vote: whether to fire City Manager Richard Hayward and whether to place the $5 million telecommunications project on the November ballot.
Both supporters and opponents of the recall are expected to attend today's 7:30 p.m. council meeting at 50 S. Broadway.
