COLUMBIANA CO. COMMISSIONERS 3 veterans, 3 newcomers square off

Besides the incumbent commissioner, the county recorder and a village councilman are among those seeking the post.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Republican and Democratic voters in the May 7 primary will have a choice of Columbiana County commissioner candidates that includes three government veterans and three political newcomers.
County Commissioner Dave Cranmer is running for his second term as one of two Democrats vying for his party's nomination.
The county's financial stability is a major issue in the race, Cranmer said.
County expenses are outdistancing revenues by nearly $2 million this year.
Financial goals
One of his goals, Cranmer said, is to extricate the county from its financial morass by keeping costs down and encouraging voters to adopt a 0.5-percent sales tax increase that's also on the May 7 primary ballot.
"Except for the financial frustration, I enjoy serving the people of Columbiana County," Cranmer said of his reason for seeking a second term.
Cranmer's opponent in the Democratic primary is Dale Landsberger, who is seeking public office for the first time.
Landsberger said he's running "because taxes should be voted, not imposed."
The statement refers to commissioners' decision earlier this year to impose a 0.5-percent sales tax increase.
After a referendum effort was mounted, they withdrew the measure and placed the increase on the ballot.
If elected, Landsberger said he will seek to get the county budget under control and bring jobs and development to the county.
GOP candidates
On the Republican side, county Recorder Gary Williams is one of four candidates from that party.
The former township trustee noted that he's been involved in politics for more than 20 years.
"I have established a reputation of being fair and straightforward when making decisions," he said.
If elected, Williams said he will encourage all county officeholders to live within their budgets.
Greg Rayburn would be leaving his seat on Wellsville village council if elected. As a commissioner, Rayburn said he would want to emphasize bringing 911 emergency telephone service to the county.
Wayne Wallace is making his second run for commissioner. Wallace ran in 2000 against Democrat Sean Logan and was defeated. Wallace, a business owner, said he would bring his business skills to the job.
"I have the know-how and ability to run the county efficiently," he said.
Also seeking the Republican nomination is Don Vos, 48, of Washingtonville, who did not submit candidate information to The Vindicator.
Vos operates a construction and demolition business and has a general's rank in the Columbiana County Unorganized Militia.
This is his first bid for public office.