Councilmen to give input regarding seat

YOUNGSTOWN -- City councilmen will have input into who fills the 6th Ward seat, assuming it opens up as expected.
David Ditzler, Mahoning Democratic Party chairman, said he will ask councilmen for their opinions before that ward's precinct committee members vote for a new council member.
By city charter, Councilman James E. Fortune Sr., D-6th, is next in line to be council president. Charles P. Sammarone, the longtime president, has resigned to be the water commissioner. Sammarone replaces Gary Thornton, who has retired.
Fortune, however, hasn't yet resigned his 6th Ward seat. Fortune said he expects to take the council president seat but wants to mull it over first. He expects to announce his decision within two weeks.
The city charter doesn't outline how vacant council seats are filled, leaving that to the political parties.
Assuming Fortune gives up the ward seat, Ditzler said he would call a meeting of the 15 or so 6th Ward precinct members within a week or two. Those interested in the seat could send the party a letter of interest beforehand, though nominations could be made from the floor.
Early candidate expressions of interest would give precinct members time to make up their minds, Ditzler said. That also would help give councilmen time to add their opinion, he said. Council deserves input since it has to work with whoever is chosen, Ditzler said.
Candidates each will have time to speak before precinct members, who then will vote on a replacement, he added.
rgsmith@vindy.com