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Email: "Tennant shows, remains defiant"
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EAST LIVERPOOL — For the first time in nearly two months, all seven East Liverpool council seats were filled Monday night. The night was not without some degree of tension, however. Under growing criticism concerning his absences, council member James Tennant remained defiant Monday night. Tennant did not seek reelection to his at-large seat and his term ends in January. “They’re only here to better themselves,” Tennant said of the others after Monday night’s meeting. “I’ll come when I want to come.” Last week, several council members looked into possibly vacating Tennant’s seat because he has not been at council or committee meetings. Council President John Torma said Tennant had not returned repeated phone calls. Tennant said before Monday’s council meeting that people may have been calling his cell phone which he no longer owns. He said no one bothered to call him at home. Council member Brian Kerr brought up Tennant’s lack of attendance telling him “it’s nothing personal” but, “this council has turned into a three-ring circus.” Referring to a Saturday newspaper article on possible action against Tennant, Kerr told Tennant, “The paper got you here, and I’d like to know if you’re going to be here.” Tennant smiled and did not reply. Kerr had some pointed words for fellow council member Bink Applegate as well. Before the meeting, city police Chief Mike McVay picked Applegate up in an unmarked patrol car from a political event at Westgate School so Applegate could attend the council meeting and make a critical vote. Before the meeting was formally adjourned Monday, Applegate had an opportunity to give some final comments for the night. Instead, Applegate stood up and said he had nothing to contribute. “I’m excused,” he said as he walked away. “Mr. Applegate excuses himself because he has to go back to a Tea Party event, and the police had to go get him to make a vote.” Kerr said. “If you are elected to do something, then do it.” Kerr reinforced his concern adding, “I’m proud to be on this board with council members, but when it comes to business, this city is run half-(expletive).” Torma expressed his gratitude for the full turnout, but he emphasized critical, year-end business will come up in the next few weeks, and all council members need to attend.

 

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