COLUMBIANA CO. Two candidates file petitions to seek posts

Candidates have less than a week to file for the May primary election.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Two more candidates have announced their intention to run for key Columbiana County governmental positions.
Judge Thomas Baronzzi, a Republican, filed petitions at the county elections board to seek a full term as county probate/juvenile court judge.
Cynthia Altomare, Lisbon schools treasurer and chief financial officer, filed to seek the Democratic nomination for county auditor.
Both candidates filed Thursday, a week before the filing deadline for the May 7 primary election.
Judge's goal: Judge Baronzzi, 39, of Lisbon, says he wants to continue pursuing the cost-saving and service initiatives he has undertaken since taking office.
During 2001, the judge said he saved the county more than $100,000 by using juvenile detention sparingly.
He also is creating a program aimed at children in grades kindergarten through sixth. The effort involves working with troubled children in that age group and rehabilitating them before they commit serious offenses.
Judge Baronzzi was appointed to the probate/juvenile bench in January 2001 by Gov. Bob Taft to fill the remaining term of Judge C. Ashley Pike.
Judge Pike left the probate/juvenile court bench after being elected to the county common pleas court's general division in November 2000.
If elected, Judge Baronzzi would begin serving a full term in February 2003.
So far, no one else has filed to seek the Republican nomination in the primary, nor have any Democrats filed for the post.
Auditor's race: Altomare, 45, of Lisbon, cites her experience in financial matters as a key qualification to be auditor.
Though she has no opponent, so far, in the primary, Altomare could face off against incumbent Auditor Nancy Milliken in the November general election. Milliken is a Republican.
If elected, Altomare said among her priorities would be mandating regular financial reporting from all county departments.
Altomare is not new to elected office.
She previously was elected clerk-treasurer of Leetonia, a post she held from 1984 through 1987.
She was later hired to serve as treasurer and chief financial officer for Leetonia schools.
Altomare worked at that job until 1989, when she was hired by Lisbon schools.