YOUNGSTOWN Official files for county position

Jan. 2 is the filing deadline for the March primary.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- City Law Director John McNally says his governmental experience makes him an ideal candidate for Mahoning County commissioner.
McNally, 34, of Youngstown, filed his nominating petitions Tuesday for the commissioner seat currently held by Ed Reese, who isn't seeking re-election.
McNally is the second person to file for that commissioner seat. Mark Belinky, president of the Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts political club, filed for the position last week.
Austintown Trustee David Ditzler, a former Mahoning Democratic chairman, is mulling over a run for county commissioner. Ditzler is circulating petitions for both commissioner seats up for election in the March 2 primary, but says he is leaning toward running for the seat held by Reese.
Also, John Cox, assistant director of the Recycling Division of Mahoning County and a former Boardman trustee, said he will discuss a bid for Reese's seat with his family on Christmas, and make a decision on running Friday.
Jan. 2 is the filing deadline to run in the March primary.
First run for office
This will be McNally's first run for office. He has been the city's law director for the past 11/2 years, and served as assistant law director for about four years before that.
"I looked at the field and I have the most experience of anyone who filed for a commissioner's seat," McNally said. "People are looking for a new, young face."
Belinky disputes McNally's claim saying he has extensive legal, political and community service experience.
"I'm stunned by that comment," he said. "I've been a practicing lawyer for 24 years. I have public sector experience. At a time when the county is facing an economic crisis, now is not the time to rely on someone with such little experience. You don't need someone with virtually no experience learning on the job."
McNally said he plans to restore trust to the commissioners' office, if he's elected.
"There's a lack of trust and communication coming out of that office," he said.
Sherlock seat
The other seat up for grabs next year is held by Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock.
Sherlock hasn't made any public statements about her political future, but Mahoning Democratic officials are moving ahead with the belief that she won't run for re-election.
Tim Batton of Canfield, who ran for the Ohio House in 2000 and chaired the Youngstown school bond issue that year, has filed nominating petitions to run for Sherlock's seat as a Democrat.
Anthony Traficanti of Poland, regional director for former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., is planning to run for that spot as a Democrat.
Sam Moffie of Boardman, an outspoken political activist who ran for commissioner in 2000, has filed to run for Sherlock's seat as a Republican.
Mahoning Republican officials are talking to others about running for the seat being vacated by Reese, but haven't received a commitment from anyone.
skolnick@vindy.com