17TH DISTRICT DEBATE Ryan touts his energy; Benjamin, experience

The two candidates also talked about their biggest regret.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
AKRON -- Republican Ann Womer Benjamin says she is in the best position to help the 17th Congressional District as its congressional representative because of her vast political experience and connections.
Timothy J. Ryan, her Democratic opponent, said he is the best candidate because he is full of energy, enthusiasm and ideas.
The two squared off Wednesday at the University of Akron's Martin University Center in a debate. Former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., the independent candidate in the race, could not attend because he is in federal prison. His campaign did not send a representative to the event.
Ryan, a state senator from Niles, and Womer Benjamin, a state representative from Aurora, portrayed themselves as the person who will be able to move the 17th District forward. Both said they would focus on bringing economic development to the district and concentrate on higher education.
Biggest accomplishments
When asked to name their most significant political accomplishment, Ryan pointed to his involvement in establishing a state college political action committee, which raises money for political candidates who are strong supporters of higher education. Womer Benjamin said her nearly eight years of providing Portage County with open, honest and accessible representation was her political high point.
The candidates were asked to name three qualities they admire in the other. Both said the other was a good campaigner and had a passion for the new district. Ryan, who was raised by his mother and his grandmother, said he admires that Womer Benjamin is a woman and a mother.
"He is, I have to say it, tall and good-looking," Womer Benjamin said about the third trait she admires in Ryan.
When asked about the worst decision they ever made as an elected official, Womer Benjamin pointed to her opposition to a bill to expand the time people could return hearing aids found to be defective to the manufacturer. The bill passed without her support.
Ryan's initial response was: "Why would I want to share that with everyone?" He then said when he first came to the state Senate, he wanted to be involved in every issue, and later realized that he would be more effective if he concentrated on a smaller number of concerns.
Looking at opportunity
Both candidates say the new 17th District -- which includes portions of Mahoning, Trumbull, Portage and Summit counties -- provides a unique opportunity for northeast Ohio. That is because there are four major universities in the district, and the district's geography will allow officials on both ends, Youngstown-Warren and the Akron area, to work together to solve problems.
The two candidates were to hold another debate today at the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown.
Earlier in the day, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare endorsed Ryan and U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, the Democratic nominees for the 6th Congressional District. Barbara Kennelly, head of the committee and a former 17-year Democratic member of the U.S. House from Connecticut, was in the Mahoning Valley to make the endorsements.
skolnick@vindy.com