Voters will decide whether a Summit County councilwoman facing political corruption charges will be able to defend her seat this fall.
Despite a looming federal trial, Councilwoman Tamela Lee has remained in the Democratic primary on Tuesday.
She is being challenged by DeAndre Forney and David Hamilton for the council’s District 5 seat.
Forney, 33, of Akron, is a counselor with Urban Ounce of Prevention. Hamilton, 31, of Akron, is a former city prosecutor and an attorney.
Lee, 57, of Akron, who has been on the council since 2011, is accused of accepting small amounts of cash, packs of cigarettes and food in exchange for using her political influence to help a local family. Her trial is set for April 13 in federal court in Cleveland.
She couldn’t be reached for comment.
Lee, who has denied any wrongdoing and is being represented by a public defender, hasn’t appeared at County Council meetings since a judge barred her from having contact with county employees. The county has canceled her county-issued cellphone.
Investment company Woods Cove III of Beverly Hills also foreclosed last month on her home on Courtland Avenue in Akron.
Both Forney and Hamilton said they are disappointed that the district is not being represented now on the council. The district covers Copley Township and Fairlawn, and parts of Akron and Bath Township.
Forney, who filled in last year as an at-large Akron City Council member, said he has the experience and skill-set for the position.
“I look at government as a ministry,” Forney said. “There are many ways to help people, but for me government is a tool for me to help people.”
Forney has run unsuccessfully for the city council twice, and he also had sought an appointment to the county council in 2011 when Lee was chosen to fill an unexpired term.
Hamilton, who is making his first run at public office, wants to focus on retaining young professionals in the area and public safety, especially when it comes to vacant properties.
He said his background as an attorney would be an asset for the council.
“I want to use my law degree to help the community,” Hamilton said.
The primary winner will take on Republican John Sans of Akron in the general election.
All eight district seats are up for election this year, but there are only three contested primaries. The other contested races are:
• In District 1, longtime Councilman Nick Kostandaras Sr. of Richfield faces Rita Darrow, a former councilwoman in Macedonia in a Democratic primary. The district encompasses Macedonia, Twinsburg, Boston Heights, Northfield, Peninsula, Reminderville, Richfield, Boston Township, Northfield Center Township, Richfield Township, Sagamore Hills Township and Twinsburg Township.
The winner will face Republican Ron Koehler of Macedonia.
• In District 7, longtime Councilman Tim Crawford of Norton faces Nolan James of Akron in a Democratic primary.
There is no Republican on the ballot. The district covers Barberton, Norton, New Franklin, Clinton and parts of Coventry Township and Akron.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.