Q&A With Fmr. Fostoria City Council President | Why Did He Resign?
October 12th, 2023 7:20PM
Author: JT Tolento | Investigative Journalist
FOSTORIA- Recently resigned Fostoria City Council President Steve Kauffman answered questions today submitted by community members. Kauffman resigned from City Council last month and submitted a letter of resignation effective Sep 30th, 2023. In his letter he briefly mentioned that City Government does not prioritize the best interest of Fostoria Citizens.
Below are (9) questions submitted by community members this week, and Steve’s responses. Steve is married to Heidi Kaffuman, in which Heidi hired Hoover Law Officer and served the City with a litigation hold on March 10th, 2023; 1 day after her early termination.
Q&A
1. During your term from 2016 – 2023 – Do you have any ethical concerns regarding City Government?
There is a general misunderstanding of open meetings/ “Sunshine” laws regarding what can and cannot be discussed in private conversations, as well as the purpose of the executive session restrictions. I have nothing that I would consider as a major reportable infraction.
2. During the last several months of your term you said that your watched the body stray from their primary function to represent the best interest of Fostoria – Can you elaborate further and give examples of what you witnessed?
The best example of this is the personality conflicts that caused the council to, essentially, remove the finance director. According to all of the emails between Mr. Cassidy and Mr. Mennel, they acknowledge that she was the best we have had in many years, but they did not like her approach. Therefore, they went against the will of the people to move to a hired finance director after the expiration of the term and found what they believed to be a loophole to push her out, colluding behind the scenes to make it happen. They would rather have no one in that role for six months than have to deal with someone they did not like.
3. In your resignation letter you mention City Council’s refusal to act – Can you elaborate future, give an example, name specific parties?
I cannot recall a time in the last 12-18 months where the mayor or the safety service director were challenged on any topic. Their word is considered law. I asked for a water update in a meeting in the spring. I was told the issue was fixed, when it was clearly worse than it had been.
4. When citizens speak at council meetings, which members of Council have you witnessed rolling their eyes, or having dismissive behavior?
Not just the council, but there are many examples on video where those in the jury box get very defensive when asked about issues or when it is brought to their attention that no one at the city building can be reached.
5. In your resignation letter, what are some of the evident signs you briefly mention?
I think of three things that would help our citizens feel much better about their taxes being spent well:
The ongoing water issues. How many years have we been told that it either cannot be fixed or that “the fix is on the way?” It sure wasn’t like this when I moved here.
The lack of availability. I received numerous emails about voicemail boxes being full and emails going unanswered. When asked about it at meetings, the reply is always that people should just schedule a meeting. How?
Where is the splash pad? Money was budgeted in this budget. The mayor said at a meeting it would be open by Memorial day ’23. Was he ever questioned on it by anyone in council?
6. What ever happened to the Covid money that did not get used ? Was it really used for fire and police dept PPE?
To my knowledge it was all used. We didn’t get much. Past that, those answers lie in the finance department.
7. How did the city wind up in financial distress- has anyone been held accountable?
It was that way when I was appointed. I do know that the issues no lie not in money, but in lack of proper procedures and the refusal to follow them. The mayor said in a meeting that every finance director has their own way of doing POs. Not true. There is Ohio law for that.
8. Why can’t we have a transparent city checking account to help prevent future problems?
We can. Heidi was planning that when her term was ended. The mayor opposed it.
9. Who owns the City Lofts? Why is FEDC involved.
I have no knowledge of FEDC. They are not a city entity. I also don’t know who owns the lofts. I would think a property search would show that.
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