LEBANON — A divided City Council voted Tuesday to appoint former Councilman John McComb to the planning commission.

        “John is a very capable individual, there's no question about that,” Councilman Ron Pandorf said before the meeting. “But because of all the things that are going on, I just feel that now is not the time” to appoint him.

        Mr. Pandorf cited complaints that are pending against Mr. McComb at the Ohio Elections Commission. Several incumbents who were defeated in November have challenged the accuracy of an ad Mr. McComb took out criticizing them.

        Mr. McComb is also in a dispute with the city over two rental properties he owns on Main Street. The Citizens Housing Committee asked him to fix broken windows, a leaning chimney, peeling paint and other problems after complaints from neighbors.

        Mr. McComb said he wanted to see first what the city decided about a proposal to rezone Main Street houses for commercial use.

        The Citizens Housing Committee has given him until early January to make the repairs before turning the matter over to the city attorney.

        Mayor Amy Brewer and Councilmen James Reinhard, Norm Dreyer II and Jim Hause voted for Mr. McComb for planning commission Tuesday.

        Former Councilman James McClain and recreation board member Jeffrey Aylor were chosen for the other two vacancies on the planning commission.

Neighborhood gate cuts off traffic
Gambling suspects surrender
FBI eyes Columbus scientist in anthrax case
Battelle research aids the ailing, military
Device may help track city cops
Double-killing investigation turns here
RADEL: Caroling, KKK draw us together
WELLS: Death penalty is everybody's business
Fatal injuries rise 16%; falling accounts for most
Purple Heart winners share stories
How Purple Heart originated
Local Digest
Sentinels president voted to second term
Seven schools seek Blue Ribbon
Teen will be tried as adult in Northside assault
Weekend Events
Clermont Co. general fund remains solid
Congrats
Former councilman appointed to board
Good News: Several charities need help
Health center opens
Mobile home dealer sentenced to 2 years
Assault charges dismissed against UK player
Congress gives NKU $750K
Kentucky Digest
Louisville Speedway to be demolished