SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Two Ohio lawmakers from Summit County are calling for Rep. Bob Young to be removed from his House leadership position after his second arrest, which happened earlier this week amid an alleged protection order violation in connection with a domestic violence case.
Here's the statement from Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) and Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson):
"Though we respect Rep. Bob Young’s family and their privacy during this difficult time, Rep. Young’s alleged pattern of continued behavior directly conflicts with the values we uphold as elected officials and Ohioans. We have a responsibility to represent our constituents and our state with just and moral behavior. Rep. Young has unfortunately failed to live up to that responsibility. Therefore, we urge House Speaker Jason Stephens to sanction Rep. Young and remove him from his leadership position as chair of the House Pensions Committee."
The two say Young has resisted calls for his resignation and "remains in the most powerful position of committee chairman of the House Pensions Committee, a title that carries a $9,000 pay increase." Speaking to 3News Wednesday, Galonski said she doesn't believe Young can handle his current responsibilities.
"As we await his decision on that resignation, at the very least, he shouldn't hold this leadership position and also be awarded that stipend of the extra $9,000 while we watch him continue to face legal struggles, being arrested, allegations, warrants for arrest," she told us. "It's really too much. He can't do the work while he's facing these legal challenges. The constituents of Summit County deserve leadership. They deserve people who are able to do their jobs and right now Rep. Young is facing too many legal challenges to be effective."
Young appeared in Barberton Municipal Court via video Wednesday morning where he pleaded not guilty and was ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device 24/7 while also being given a personal recognizance bond. His initial arrest in the case dates back to an alleged July 2 incident involving his wife and brother.
WKYC previously reported that Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens was calling for Rep. Young to resign following the allegations. In a statement issued after details of the case first surfaced, Stephens said he had attended a fundraiser with Young that same day and visited his home afterward, but was not present at the time of the alleged incident.
"I was disappointed and shocked to hear what allegedly transpired sometime after I had left the Young house," Stephens said. "Although I believe that people are innocent until proven guilty, I asked Bob for his resignation as state representative so he can focus on his family at this time."
When reached for comment by 3News Wednesday, Stephens' office said he "stands by his previous request" for Young to step down. Galonski added both she and Weinstein agree with the Speaker on that matter.
According to his bio posted on the Ohio House of Representatives site, Rep. Young is currently serving his second term for the 32nd House District, which includes southern portions of Summit County.
