33RD OHIO SENATE DISTRICT Hanni challenges effectiveness of Hagan

The Republican candidate says her Democratic opponent doesn't work well with GOP state leaders -- a contention he disputes.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Candidates with two of the most well-known political names in the Mahoning Valley are squaring off for a four-year seat in the Ohio Senate.
State Sen. Robert F. Hagan, a Youngstown Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Holly M. Hanni of Boardman, who is running for political office for the first time.
Hanni said Hagan and other Democratic state legislators from the Mahoning Valley have done nothing for the area during their time in Columbus. Hanni said that not only is Hagan ineffective because he is a Democrat in the Republican-controlled Legislature, but he also is combative with and not respected by state GOP officials.
Working with leadership
Hanni said she would work well with the majority and get things done for the 33rd Ohio Senate District.
"Republican senators have disdain for" Hagan, said Hanni, whose father, Don L. Hanni Jr., is a former longtime Mahoning County Democratic chairman. "He's not a go-to guy. He doesn't work well with the leadership."
Hagan, whose brother, Tim, is running for governor, admits the political climate in Columbus has not been conducive to bipartisanship. But Hagan says he must be doing something right because he was the only Democrat to have a bill signed into law in the current legislative session. The law, sponsored by Hagan, increases penalties for the use of foreign steel in state construction projects.
"That shows that I can work with Republicans," Hagan said. "I have a wonderful relationship with the people who I work with and who are willing to work with me. The Republican leadership doesn't want to work with anyone who is a Democrat."
Putting up a fight
As for angering Republican leadership, Hagan said if he has done that, he is proud.
"You have to nip at the heels of that arrogance and fight for your district," he said. "We shouldn't be happy with the crumbs we get. We need a major infusion. If my Republican opponent thinks she can get it, she is sadly mistaken. They're not just ignoring me, they're ignoring all the major urban areas of the state."
Both candidates say one of the key issues in the race is economic development.
Hanni supports allowing casino gambling to be legalized in the Mahoning Valley, which would bring millions of dollars to this area. Hagan said he would like to see a casino come to Youngstown, but he will not lead the charge to bring it here.
Hagan said the area needs to make Youngstown State University a partner on economic development plans to spur growth in the Valley.
Tax increases
Hagan also says raising taxes may have to be part of the solution to solving the state's fiscal crisis. Hanni said before raising taxes should be considered, the state should continue to downsize and look at ways to eliminate waste.
Besides Mahoning County, the 33rd Ohio Senate District includes all of Carroll County and portions of Stark and Tuscarawas counties.
skolnick@vindy.com