YOUNGSTOWN Seeking answers on vacant position

If appointed, Boles would have a seniority advantage over two new members.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Clarence Boles wants to know why the vacant 6th Ward city council seat isn't yet filled.
Boles, the Democratic 6th Ward councilman-elect, takes office in January. But residents in the South Side ward need representation between now and year's end, he said.
"I'm concerned about the fact the 6th Ward constituents have no duly elected representative," he said.
Boles called a press conference this morning to ask why Lisa Antonini, Mahoning Democratic Party chairwoman, hasn't yet called a meeting of the ward's precinct committee members. Under state law, party precinct members fill council vacancies.
Antonini couldn't immediately be reached this morning to comment.
Last month, Antonini said she preferred that 6th Ward residents have a council member, even for just a few weeks. She said naming Boles would make the most sense, though the process would be open to others.
She said a meeting probably would be called early in December.
James E. Fortune Sr. resigned the ward seat Nov. 28 when he was sworn in as council president. He was elected to fill the unexpired term of council president. Fortune won the Democratic primary over incumbent John R. Swierz.
Residents not represented
Since the seat became vacant, council has had one meeting where ward residents weren't represented, and that shouldn't continue, Boles said. Council has one more scheduled meeting, on Dec. 17.
As troubling is the party's lack of action, Boles said.
The party chairwoman should call a precinct meeting and let those people decide what to do, he said. Boles expects the committee would name him to the seat.
He said Antonini is overstepping her authority by failing to call a meeting.
She hasn't returned his calls about the matter, Boles said.
Boles, if named to the seat, would have a slight seniority advantage over two new members who take office in January, Carol Rimedio-Righetti in the 4th Ward and Mark S. Memmer in the 7th Ward.
Council bases some of its decisions, such as committee assignments, on seniority.
Richard Atkinson, R-3rd, became the senior council member with Fortune's elevation to president. He has seniority over all other council members because he was appointed to the seat six years ago to fill a vacancy.
Last week he was elected president pro-tem and finance committee chairman by virtue of his seniority.
rgsmith@vindy.com