BY RICHELLE THOMPSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON -- Councilman-elect John McComb did not fight to break up one voting-bloc coalition just to form another.
When he takes over the seat now held by recalled Councilwoman Mary-Ann Cole, he promises to be an independent thinker.
On Tuesday, 1,204 voters supported the recall of Mrs. Cole, and 857 cast ballots against the measure, unofficial results show. An unofficial count shows 1,137 people voted for Mr. McComb.
Mrs. Cole won just one of 11 precincts -- the one that covers a portion of the downtown area, unofficial results show.
The message Mr. McComb has taken from the city's first recall in its 196-year history is simple: "The people have said they don't want four members banding together to determine an issue. They want independent thinkers," he said. "Don't assume there's a new four-person coalition. I plan to vote my conscience."
Still, Mr. McComb expects to side with three council members, Amy Brewer, Jackson Hedges and Gil Jarrard, on two major issues set for discussion June 9, likely his first meeting.
The Warren County Board of Elections must certify the results within 11 to 15 days following the election. Then Mr. McComb can be sworn in.
A proposal to put the $5 million telecommunications project on the November ballot likely will fail without Mrs. Cole's vote. Mr. McComb said he hopes to approve funding for the project at that meeting.
Also, legislation introduced by Councilman Mark Flick to fire City Manager Richard Hayward is expected to die for lack of a majority four votes. Mr. McComb, along with Mrs. Brewer, Mr. Hedges and Mr. Jarrard, supports Mr. Hayward. He said he intends to vote against the measure.
To mend the rift, council members need to act like seven independent members, Mr. McComb said. They need to develop a comprehensive plan that refines Lebanon's mission and vision, he said.
