GOP chooses nominee for election panel

LISBON -- A certified public accountant from East Liverpool is Columbiana County Republicans' pick to serve on the county election board.
The county party met Tuesday and selected Alfred Fricano, 65, as its recommendation to the post left vacant last month by the death of G. Allen Dickey, 72.
Fricano's name will be submitted to the Ohio Secretary of State's office where he will undergo a background check. The secretary of state's office typically approves the recommendations made by local election boards.
Atty. Jerry Ward, county Republican party chairman and election board president, said Fricano could be sworn in sometime next month.
Republicans chose Dickey's successor because Dickey was a Republican. Ohio law requires that elections boards consist of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats.
Fricano, the owner of A.S. Fricano & amp; Co., an accounting firm, has served nearly a decade as the county Republican party treasurer.
"He has a good business head on his shoulders," Ward said. "I expect him to make good decisions on the board."
Five other candidates were considered by Republicans for the post. They were Don Mackall of Columbiana, Larry Parker of Salem, Tony Leone of Guilford Lake, Ed Miyagishima of Salem and George Crook of Columbiana.
If his nomination is confirmed, Fricano would join Ward and Democrats Dennis Johnson and Dr. Anthony Rich on the board.