TRUMBULL COMMISSIONER RACE Tsagaris faces 'outspoken' opponent

The incumbent says he's running on his record.
WARREN -- James G. Tsagaris, who came from obscurity to win his first election four years ago, is being challenged in the May 7 Democratic primary for Trumbull County commissioner by another relative unknown.
David C. Cook, 56, promises to be an outspoken advocate of the people if he's elected. "I'm a little too outspoken," he said. "Reminds me of somebody else in the news -- James Traficant.
"I think a lot of the man," the unemployed Iddings Avenue Southeast man said.
After four years in office, Tsagaris says he is prepared to run on his accomplishments, including the repeal of a quarter-percent county sales tax, the construction of a county building for agriculture-related agencies and attracting new businesses.
"I've done what I promised to do," Tsagaris said.
Looking ahead
If elected to another term, Tsagaris, 67, said he would work to make county government more efficient and more accountable and to continue to work for economic development.
"I bring a career lifetime of business experience, including estimating, negotiating and learning to bring projects to fruition," Tsagaris said.
A lifelong county resident, Tsagaris worked for 16 years as an executive with Genaro Paving. He also sold cars.
His opponent has a different view of the county commissioner's recent accomplishments.
"I'm tired of seeing things getting worse and the county commissioners aren't doing anything to help out," Cook said. "Where were they when CSC went down?"
Cook, a frequent attendee at Warren City Council meetings, moved to Trumbull County in 1971. Although partially disabled, he has worked as a cook and in grocery stores, he said.
He does not have a telephone and has been living down the street from the address listed on his election petition since the bank foreclosed on that home, he said.
"I'm straight up," he said. "I don't back-stab anybody and I don't lie to people."