60TH OHIO HOUSE DISTRICT Patton's challenger says more would get done with Republican

State legislator William Sicafuse says he has been quietly effective in the Ohio House.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- William W. Sicafuse, state Rep. Sylvester D. Patton Jr.'s Republican opponent for the 60th Ohio House District seat, says the incumbent is "almost like dead weight" in the Legislature.
Patton, a Youngstown Democrat, says though his accomplishments in the state House may not add up to much on the surface, that is because he is a Democrat in a Republican-controlled body.
Patton said it is what he does behind the scenes -- working with Republican leadership to make sure the Mahoning Valley isn't forgotten in Columbus -- that makes him a strong representative for the area.
"There are a number of things I do with colleagues that never hit the paper or come to the forefront," Patton said. "That's because it's done in committees. I do things on a regular basis that's good for the community."
Patton, who serves on the state Controlling Board, said he is a leader in the Legislature on liquor option legislation, and has a solid relationship with state agencies and Gov. Bob Taft.
"It's about relationship building," he said. "There are Republicans who can't get anything done because they don't have good relationships with the leadership."
Disagrees with assessment
Sicafuse, of Struthers, says Patton is completely overstating his influence in Columbus.
"He's down there, he shows up at the meetings, but that's it," Sicafuse said.
Sicafuse said Republicans control state government and Mahoning County does not have a voice because all of its state legislators are Democrats.
"It would be beneficial to have a Republican in the Legislature to bring back money to the district," he said. "If we send Republicans to Columbus, it would definitely help our area."
Sicafuse said he has many traditional Democratic beliefs such as being pro-union, anti-charter schools and anti-school vouchers.
Patton and Sicafuse said they would support legalized video gambling at the state's race tracks, although not with much enthusiasm.
If re-elected, Patton said he would run for a fourth elected term to the state House seat next year. He would be barred by the state's term limit law to seek a fifth elected term. Patton said his ultimate goal is to run for Youngstown mayor when that position is available in the 2005 election.
Asking for one chance
Sicafuse said he is asking voters in the 60th District to vote for him this one time.
"I'm looking for 24 months in office, one term, and if I don't get the job done, vote me out of office," he said.
The 60th District includes Youngstown, Campbell, Coitsville, Lowellville, New Middletown, Poland Township and Springfield.
skolnick@vindy.com