The new year brought a reshaped Portsmouth City Council, with new members sworn in and familiar leadership returning to key roles during Monday night’s organizational meeting.
David Malone was sworn in as 1st Ward councilman, returning to city government after unseating Sean Dunne in the November election. Chris Neff took the oath of office as 5th Ward councilman, filling the seat left vacant when Joey Sandlin was elected Scioto County treasurer.
In addition to the newcomers, Andy Cole was sworn in for another term representing the 3rd Ward following his reelection. Council also voted to retain its current leadership, nominating and appointing Charlotte Gordon to a second term as Mayor and President of Council, and Lyvette Mosely to a second term as Vice President of Council. Diana Ratliff was reappointed as Portsmouth City Clerk.
Malone Returns as Dunne Exits
Malone’s return to council marks a significant shift for the First Ward. A former mayor, Malone ran on a platform focused on core city services and stability, ultimately defeating Dunne, one of the most outspoken and controversial figures in recent Portsmouth politics.
Dunne’s exit from council comes as he remains embroiled in a lawsuit against the city and fellow council members. The legal battle stems from a January 2024 council reorganization vote in which Dunne was not reappointed as mayor, despite previously holding the position.
The Lawsuit Still Looms
Portsmouth’s form of government allows the mayor to be selected by council members during the first meeting of the year. In that 2024 vote, Gordon was chosen as mayor, with Mosely named vice mayor. Dunne has claimed the vote was improperly coordinated ahead of time, alleging violations of Ohio’s Sunshine Laws and the Open Meetings Act through what he describes as “round robin” communications between council members.
Dunne has consistently argued that his lawsuit is about transparency and process, not personal politics. The city has denied wrongdoing, and the case has already cost Portsmouth thousands of dollars in legal fees, with council previously authorizing additional funding to continue defending the lawsuit.
A New Council, Familiar Tensions
With Dunne no longer seated at the council table, the dynamics at City Hall are expected to change. His tenure was marked by frequent clashes with fellow council members, city administration, and at times the public, as he pushed for symbolic legislation and raised procedural objections.
As Portsmouth enters the new year, council now moves forward with new members, returning leadership, and the unresolved backdrop of litigation that continues to hang over City Hall—even as the man who filed it no longer serves on council.
