YOUNGSTOWN Mayor replies to rep's criticism

Last week, Traficant criticized McKelvey's lack of leadership on the issue.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mayor George M. McKelvey has let the area's congressman know that he won't join mudslinging over the proposed civic center project.
McKelvey, in a Dec. 22 letter to U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. of Poland, D-17th, relayed his displeasure with the congressman's recent talk.
"My apologies if you're disappointed that I haven't lowered myself to the level of personal attacks, character assassination, rumor mongering and making baseless allegations," the mayor said.
Last week, Traficant criticized McKelvey for a lack of leadership in the controversy over city council's move -- on hold now until Thursday -- to eliminate the arena board. Traficant, who pushed council to create the arena board, said he thought McKelvey "had a little more anatomy below the belt."
The congressman then praised former Mayor Pat Ungaro. Ungaro, now an arena board member, would have made his opinion known, Traficant said. McKelvey is trying to appease everybody, the congressman said.
Little comment: McKelvey has been mostly silent on the issue publicly. He has said several times only that he hopes council and the arena board reach a productive partnership.
The mayor's letter says he continues focusing his efforts on reaching that partnership.
McKelvey also reminded the congressman that he is available to talk about any ways to assist in making the civic center project happen.
If too busy beforehand, McKelvey suggested that Traficant call him during the congressman's stint as a radio talk show host later this week.
"Surely a project of this importance warrants a phone call," the mayor wrote.
rgsmith@vindy.com