Valley View Mayor Randall Westfall resigns amid ongoing probe by state auditor of village contracts

VALLEY VIEW, Ohio - Valley View Mayor Randall Westfall has abruptly resigned amid an ongoing probe by the Ohio Auditor's Office into village contracts.

Westfall, who has been mayor since 2000, issued a two line letter of resignation to Valley View Village Councilman Jerry Piasecki saying, "it is with heartfelt remorse that I submit my resignation as mayor."

Piasecki has assumed the responsibilities of village mayor.

In his letter, Westfall also said his decision was in "the best interest of the village."

Meanwhile, the Ohio Auditor's Office has confirmed that it is continuing to investigate business dealing in Valley View that occurred under Mayor Westfall's tenure.

The Auditor's Office would not comment on the extent of its investigation that began last fall when Cuyahoga County prosecutors turned the case over and requested a special prosecutor.

Valley View came under scrutiny by state auditors in 2010 involving contracts with local paving companies.

Mayor Westfall has not returned calls for comment and so far, he has not been charged with any wrongdoing.