Sferra answers criticism

By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The race for the 64th Ohio House District pits a Democratic incumbent who stresses the importance of constituent services against a Republican who says he can be more effective as a legislator.
"The district needs a full-time representative who can bring more tax dollars back to the district," says Randy Law, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate in 2000. "His group in the Legislature, in the House, has basically given up."
Law was referring to state Rep. Daniel Sferra, who has held the office for six years. Sferra says he has been effective in getting state agencies to work on behalf of his constituents.
As far as pulling money back to the district, in these lean years there simply is no money available, Sferra says.
The major issue next year will be working with Republicans on a new state budget, with what Sferra estimates will be $2 billion to $4 billion in cuts.
"I really believe that the state is going to cut back, so I don't care if you are a Democrat or a Republican, there is not going to be any money for anyone," he said.
Raising questions
During the campaign, Law has raised questions about Sferra's integrity.
He pointed out that Sferra was mayor of Warren when the city engaged in questionable dealings surrounding the city-owned Avalon South Golf Course and that Sferra's name was raised by James R. Sabatine Sr. Sabatine is a contractor implicated in the corruption trial of James A. Traficant Jr.
"I don't think Dan Sferra has adequately answered the questions pertaining to his actions," Law said. "I think that it is very important if we are going to have any credibility to attract businesses to this area, we have to have people with character."
Sferra denies any improper actions.
"I've been involved in politics for 30 years and nobody has ever found any wrongdoing on my part," he said. "I can't help what people say."
65th District race
The race for the 65th House District seat, meanwhile, pits political newcomers from both parties against a gadfly independent candidate.
In the Democratic primary, Sandra Stabile Harwood beat two well-known Valley figures, Barry Profato and Joseph J. Melfi, for the privilege of running in the November election.
Harwood, a lawyer and employee of the Trumbull County Child Support Enforcement Agency, says she will work to create a state health insurance program for senior citizens. She says she is also concerned with school funding and the state budget crisis.
She runs against James A. Calko Jr., a political science student at Youngstown State University who was unopposed in the Republican primary.
Calko, 21, said his youth and open-mindedness will make him an effective legislator. As a Republican, he believes he will be able to get more help from the Legislature for economic development.
The independent candidate, Rev. Werner Lange, is running to restore ethics to public office.