Traficant had a lot of critics in high places who blamed most of the Valley's problems on his

Traficant had a lot of critics in high places who blamed most of the Valley's problems on his inability to fit in. Now that he's gone, I can't wait to hear what their new excuses will be. This area is starved for leadership. So starved, in fact, that it chose Jim Traficant over and over again. I hope that some loyal and ethical people will take the reins now. If not, God help us!
Nancy DeRamo, Boardman
This just signals a new beginning. We've convicted judges, sheriffs, prosecutors, lawyers and commissioners (along with a lot of mob-related criminals). Let's move forward with a new, honest attitude.
John Davidson, Youngstown
What a shame that our congressman has been convicted of racketeering and bribery. Traficant brought so much to our Valley, but it was not enough for him. Now, we must move forward and elect an honest representative to voice our concerns in Washington.
Robert Macomber, Canfield
Now maybe this Valley can start anew without the stigma of Traficant and his big mouth! The whole Valley should breathe a sigh of relief and plan on a better future for Mahoning County.
Bill Gothard, North Jackson
His maverick attitude was admirable at times, but it turned out to be his tragic flaw. He could have been -- should have been -- a great congressman for us. What a waste.
Betsy Johnquest, Youngstown
I would hope that this shows that we need public servants that want to help others and not themselves.
Tom Lamb, Boardman
It is extremely gratifying to see the broad broom of justice continuing to clean up the corruption in our valley. I hope this sends a strong message to all politicians.
Bob Mellinger, Columbiana
Unfortunately, with the mentality of the voters here, another corrupt politician will always be waiting in the wings.
Laney Hill, Youngstown
Mr. Traficant's conviction, if we are lucky, is not the end of a long war against ... a "culture of corruption," but rather the beginning of what will probably be a very slow transformation of that culture. If we are very lucky, perhaps within a generation or two, that culture will be able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong no matter who, or how many, are doing it.
Andrea Leonardi, Poland
It is another troubled chapter in the political history of the Mahoning Valley, one which will unfortunately overshadow the good that this man did do in Congress during his long tenure.
Gayle Ridge, Poland
It amazes me that the proportion of people saying that 'I always knew he was crooked and am glad he is gone' is just about 80 percent. That was consistently his margin of victory in re-election.
Steve Evanchuck, Springfield
It's about time! The people of Youngstown deserve more than a congressional clown representing them.
Rick Kaglic , Chicago, formerly ofYoungstown
Traficant thought he was above the law. Now he knows he isn't. He has been an embarrassment to the district for years. The Valley deserves better than a buffoon who repeats the same clich & eacute;s. As many people, I was tired of him and his antics. The federal prosecutor has done us all a service.
Dean Burns, Struthers
Hopefully, we can now elect a visionary leader who can attract new businesses and jobs. Maybe this is the beginning of a new era in the Valley!
Bill Johnson, Boardman
It is always sad when an elected official that we place our hopes in falls from grace. It is now up to us to find an honorable person to represent us. One who will show our better sides. It is up to us the voters to scrutinize and be more vigilant in our task.
Marguerite Harkleroad, Austintown
Maybe now the people in this valley will wake up and understand that the behavior of all of these convicted politicians IS NOT the norm and should not be accepted behavior from public servants. Wake up, Trumbull County pols ... you're all next.
Anne Colucci, Cortland
I hope that historians will be able to look back on this event and describe it as the end of "business as usual" in the Mahoning Valley and the start of a progressive and positive era in this region.
Bob Hogue, Boardman