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By Kristin McAllister, Staff Writer Updated 11:55 AM Thursday, September 3, 2009

DAYTON — The mayor of Moraine’s political future is in the hands of Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner after the Montgomery County Board of Elections tied in a vote to certify her petitions to get on the Nov. 3 ballot.

In a special meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25, the board split 2-2 on whether to certify a petition listing 16 signatures that was circulated by Moraine Mayor Jean Matheny. She neglected to provide her signature on the petition as a statement of candidacy.

If Brunner decides against certifying the petition, Matheny will have 49 valid signatures, one less than is required. The ballot then would list only council member Bob Rosenscrans for the four-year term. Rosencrans is a previous Moraine mayor who was recalled and then re-elected as a council member.

Board members Gregory Gantt and James Nathanson voted against certifying Matheny’s petition. Dennis Lieberman and Thomas Ritchie voted in favor of certifying it.

The board now must submit written arguments to Brunner who must decide within 50 days in order for Matheny’s name to appear on the ballot.

If Brunner decides in favor of certifying the petition, Matheny will have enough valid signatures to be on the ballot. She needs 50 signatures to run.

“I hope that they (the state) decide to let the citizens vote on this,” Matheny said Tuesday.

Matheny was appointed acting mayor last winter following the November recall of mayor Sonny Johnson. Matheny then won as mayor against Rosencrans in an April special election.

The board also voted not to certify the filings of Donald Allen Domineck Jr., who was seeking a Dayton School Board seat, citing that he did not have enough valid signatures.

Four incumbents — Yvonne Isaacs, Joseph Lacey, Ronald Lee and Stacy Thompson — will have a contested race since newcomer James Weir was also certified for the school board race. The top four vote-getters will win in November.

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