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| Trustee Tim Rush |
Warren, who was defeated by Jim Clark in the primary election by 140 votes, said he was prompted to launch a write-in campaign following the controversy regarding election procedures in which Clark and his wife, Toni Clark, were involved. Toni Clark falsely accused Sumpter Township Trustee Tim Rush of inappropriately pulling a tally tape from a voting machine and called township police to report the incident. Her claims, supported by her husband, were proven false by surveillance tapes of the voting process which completely dispelled her unfounded allegations.
Rush presented the tapes, validated by the police department, at a meeting of the township board members to prove he had done nothing inappropriate or illegal.“That video evidence was very, very significant,” Rush said, noting that he had reached a recent out-of-court settlement regarding the publishing of Clark's claims. Rush said that the settlement included a significant financial penalty from the publisher but declined to provide details.
That voting machine controversy and false claims regarding township finances motivated Warren to seek the office of township treasurer, he said.
“I was prompted to run as a write-in following the dispute and complaints launched by Clark and his wife,” Warren said. “I felt their actions were insulting to the township and they insulted and humiliated the board of elections chairman.”
Warren said he was further concerned with some of the false and misleading claims made by Clark concerning funds missing from the township.
A subsequent audit and two previous independent audits of township funds found no financial discrepancies or errors, according to official township records.
“It shows a lack of integrity,” Warren said. “He needs to validate those kinds of claims and he won't because he can't.”
Rush, too, was critical of the claims of Clark which were published.
“The damage done to the township, to the reputation of our community, along with the expense to our taxpayers, is serious,” Rush said. “We incurred attorney fees for an audit and investigation of the claims, our police department had to investigate and respond to the false complaint and report. The costs to taxpayers of the Clarks' actions were significant,” he said.
Current Treasurer Kenneth Bednark who opted not to seek reelection, also withdrew his previous support of Clark and criticized his conduct and disputed any claims of missing township funds.
Warren, 51, has lived in Sumpter for 11 years although his family has been in the community for more than 70 years, he said. He and his wife have nine children, two of whom still live at home and attend Belleville High School where their siblings graduated.
Warren is employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs and is an advocate for veterans' rights throughout the state and part of Ohio.
He said that experience gives him real insight into financial matters which prompted his initial efforts during the primary. He said he intends to increase his campaigning as a write-in candidate with mailers and signs to let voters know they have a choice between two Democrats for the office.
Warren said his initial candidacy during the primary was prompted by the conduct and lack of performance by current h Bednark notified township officials in February that he would “be working from home” due to “personal and professional” responsibilities. Since then, prior to the COVID 19 mandates, Bednark has not attended any board meetings or been in the township office, although he continues to collect his $19,000 annual salary. Bednark has denied Clark’s published claims of missing funds which prompted board members to authorize an investigation by township attorney Rob Young into the allegation.
“This office needs someone focused on the job who is community centered. We need someone who will conduct themselves honestly and professionally,” Warren said.
Rush, a Republican, said he vigorously supports Warren's write-in effort.
