ONE ON ONE | Michael Sciortino Vote is in: Elections director relishes his job

Based on your undergraduate major, I assume you've always had an interest in politics. Where did that come from?
I don't know because my family primarily works in the medical field. I guess I was sort of the black sheep of the family with politics. Going through college, I originally started with medicine and followed the family. But I couldn't stand it. I couldn't stand the physics and the biochemistry, so I made a drastic switch to political science. I did some internships, one with the county commissioners in 1991, and Dr. [William] Binning got me into the urban internship program at YSU, and ever since then, I've always had an eye on politics and 10 years later, here I am.
What did you do before coming to the board of elections?
I was the assistant county administrator for the county commissioners. I worked with Gary Kubic, which was a very challenging experience. I learned a lot.
How did you end up at the board of elections?
After the war of '94 [the Democrats for Change movement that took over the Democratic Party], there was an opening for deputy director here. It wasn't something I had my eye on. That wasn't the case. To make a long story short, I was asked to seek the position. There was a 2-2 split on the board on my appointment. When there's a deadlock, it goes to the Ohio secretary of state. I was interviewed by Bob Taft, who was then the secretary of state.
What did you think of Taft?
He was a good guy. He was very tall, very tall. I can remember saying, "Welcome to Youngstown. We're short, but don't let that fool you." He got a kick out of that. I've had a really good relationship with him ever since. I've always been able to call him directly. He's a pretty good guy. He appointed me. At that particular point, he was very big on education and qualifications and staying away from political appointments.
Was there any hesitation to take the job because you were going to be working for a split board?
It was very challenging. I met with Jim Dellick, the director at the time, who was a big help. We agreed that if we worked together, we could accomplish a lot. But knowing I had support from the Democratic Party was a big help. The Democrats put me here. This job is strictly political. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the Democratic Party and Mike Morley and people who made the movement. You can't find anything else like the elections board in government. You shy away from politics in other agencies. I had a master's degree and I was appointed by the secretary of state, but, come on. Let's be honest about it. Politics is how people get their jobs at the board of elections.
How do you keep politics out of the decision-making process or do you even bother to try?
We all know when we come to work in the morning, you leave your political hat at the door. It has to be that way. You're always going to have political decisions to make, and you're always going to have the critics who will make it appear as though politics is the overriding factor in our decisions, but that's not true.
You took over for Jim Dellick when he retired.
Yes, the board had to decide [under state law] to either appoint a Republican director or name a Republican to be board chairman in May 1999 after Jim's retirement.
Is there a big difference between being deputy director and director?
Oh, it's all the difference in the world. Being director, the buck stops here. If something goes wrong, you can't say the director did it.
What's the best and worst part of the job?
The excitement of election morning is the best part, and waking up early in the morning on Election Day is the worst part.
You've got about a year left of law school. What are you planning to do after you pass the bar exam?
I don't know. I like it here. I can see myself staying here. I can't project what will happen. I could see myself joining a law firm. I'd like to stay in Ohio, Northeast Ohio or Columbus.
How do you balance work, law school and your family life?
I have a very understanding wife. The thing about law school is there is an end to it. There are sacrifices involved. During finals time, you're not seeing me on the weekends. I'm in my basement studying. When it's over, it's over.