59TH OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT Alberty cites work for lack of campaigning

The two differ on gambling as a way to generate money for the state and on the success of charter schools.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- Paul Alberty says his work responsibilities have made it very difficult for him to effectively campaign as the Republican nominee for the 59th Ohio House District seat.
But Alberty, of Poland, who co-owns a Pittsburgh computer company, said he will quit his job if he is elected to the seat, and concentrate his efforts on best serving the House district.
Alberty, who has twice run unsuccessfully for Congress, is challenging state Rep. Kenneth A. Carano, an Austintown Democrat seeking his second term, for the 59th District seat.
The district including most of Austintown, as well as all of Berlin, Boardman, Canfield city and township, Craig Beach, Ellsworth, Jackson, Milton, and Poland village and township.
Alberty says Carano has been an ineffective legislator, failing to pass any bills during his two years in the House. Because Democrats are in the House minority, Carano said he has had to find creative ways to serve his constituents. Carano says he has worked closely with some Republicans, who are willing to insert his suggestions into bills.
If elected, Alberty said he will be able to work with Republican leadership in Columbus to provide money and resources for the Mahoning Valley. Carano says if Alberty is elected, he will be a yes-man to the Republican leadership, which will provide no benefit to this area.
Opposite sides of issues
The two strongly differ on a number of issues.
Carano wants to legalize gambling machines at racetracks and to pass legislation to permit a gambling casino in the Valley. Alberty opposes those plans.
Alberty says charter schools have been a success in the state, and supports further state funding for them. Carano called charter schools "a joke."
Alberty changed jobs earlier this year -- taking a $100,000 pay cut -- and said because of that he has had to severely limit his campaigning. But should he beat Carano, Alberty plans to quit his job, concentrate his efforts on being a state legislator and probably find a part-time job.
"It's an unfortunate situation," he said. " I made that commitment to [Mahoning County Republican Chairman] Clarence [Smith] and this community to run for this position and I'm doing all I can to honor that commitment. I haven't had time to campaign or to raise money. But you have to look at my track record. When I made that commitment, I didn't realize what would happen with my career."
Carano said voters should have no concern about his commitment to the House district.
"I'm extremely confident I will win," he said. "If you're going to take on a sitting member, you better start to do something."
skolnick@vindy.com