Resident warns voters lacked clear redline of charter revisions; city says redline posted online

Shelia Hendricks, a Steubenville resident, told the City Council she and members of her church found the mailed charter materials incomplete and said voters deserve “complete and accurate information.” She said the mailer presented new language without showing the prior text and that she had reviewed the Ohio Revised Code, which discusses supermajority requirements.

Law Director Costa Mastros responded that a redline version and the proposed materials have been posted on the city’s website for months. “It is on the website. It’s been on for months,” Mastros said, adding that the Board of Elections requires that items be grouped by section rather than presented as dozens of separate ballot questions. Mayor Jerry Barilla and other council members said they understand older residents may have trouble accessing online materials and discussed providing printed copies in the city lobby or by request.

Council members clarified how the committee prepared the proposed language. Mr. McManamon noted the website contains the charter document and that mayoral compensation changes are shown “clearly, clearly indicated” on the posted materials. Mr. Hernon encouraged broader outreach so voters can compare the old and new language and make an informed choice when the charter appears on the ballot.

Next steps: Council said staff will make printed copies available on request and continue publication in local print outlets. The council did not take a formal vote on changing the mailer format during the meeting.