Barberton City Council confirms seven appointments to Charter Review Commission after heated debate over party balance and fresh faces

BARBERTON, Ohio — At a special legislative meeting Wednesday, Feb. 26, Barberton City Council voted to appoint seven residents to the city—s Charter Review Commission, approving the mayor—s slate after more than an hour of discussion about party balance and whether the commission should include newer residents.

The council confirmed the appointments after a motion from Councilor Thompson to "appoint Thomas Harden, Nina Angeloff, Carol Fry, Dallas Moore, Holly Johnston Perry, John White and Larry Charlie Reese to the Charter Review Commission," seconded by Councilor Haddock and approved in a roll-call vote.

The decision matters because the Charter Review Commission can propose changes to Barberton—s charter that, if forwarded and approved by council, can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide. Several council members said the charter itself limits how the commission is constituted and that those rules, not personal preference, guided the mayor—s selections.

In a letter read into the record, the mayor wrote that he reviewed applications and said his list "had all the qualifications and criteria as outlined in the charter," adding that the group brings a mix of experience and some new faces who live in the community.

Council discussion focused on two recurring points: the charter—s requirement about party affiliation and a broader desire among some council members for new volunteers on city boards and commissions. Councilors repeatedly noted that the charter requires a cap on the number of members from any single political party; one councilor summarized that the charter permits a maximum of four members from any party on the commission.

Councilor Hager, who spoke at length during the meeting, pushed for newer volunteers. "I want new fresh faces," she said, adding that residents new to Barberton should see a real opportunity to participate.

Other councilors argued the Charter Review Commission as written has limited "teeth" and that changes to its power or membership rules would need to come through a charter amendment. "The charter dictates what qualifies," one councilor said during remarks supporting confirmation; "they all qualify." Several members said they plan to propose charter amendments or bring related changes to the Rules Committee after the commission begins its work.

Council debate was also procedural. Some members urged letting the commission meet and bring recommendations to council rather than postponing appointments; others said the city should pursue rule changes that would ensure more turnover and broader representation on volunteer bodies in the future.

The motion to appoint was approved in a recorded vote with eight members voting yes. After the vote the council moved on to other business and adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of Thomas Harden, Nina Angeloff, Carol Fry, Dallas Moore, Holly Johnston Perry, John White and Larry Charlie Reese to the Charter Review Commission: motion by Councilor Thompson; second by Councilor Haddock; recorded roll-call vote: Heideck — yes; Thompson — yes; (listed as) Cager — yes; Easterling — yes; Griffin — yes; Beck — yes; Gerhardt — yes; Harris — yes. Outcome: approved.

Context and next steps

Council members said the charter—s current language will limit how the commission is composed and that any change to those limits must be proposed as a charter amendment. Several councilors said they will bring proposals to the Rules Committee for possible charter changes, including time limits or party-balance language that differs from the current rules. The newly appointed commission will begin meetings as scheduled; any proposals it forwards must still clear council and, if approved, be presented to voters on the ballot.

(Quotes are taken from the Feb. 26, 2025 Barberton City Council meeting transcript.)