MAHONING VALLEY Officials and legislators reflect on redistricting

Most officials agree that two voices in Washington, D.C., are better than one.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ted Strickland knew he had his work cut out for him when he became the congressional representative for half of Mahoning County in January.
When congressional district boundaries were redrawn last year, cutting the county in half and dividing it between the 6th and 17th districts, people both inside and outside the political arena were outraged and bitter.
Commissioner Ed Reese called the move a slap in the face to the county, once regarded as one of the most politically muscular counties in Ohio. He threatened to sue the state over the division, but backed off after learning there was no legal standing to do so.
"People felt betrayed. It was a major blow to the area," said Strickland, of Lisbon, D-6th. "I was painfully aware of that."
It's been six months now since the realignment took effect, and Reese said he's still undecided about whether it's a good or bad thing for the county.
"It's too early to tell," he said. "We're only six months into this."
His greatest fears were that the county would lose its political clout and that the dividing line between districts would create a communication gap. He was concerned that the county would come out the loser in battles for funding and development.
So far, that hasn't happened, Reese said.
Shared strength
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, said he doesn't think the split districts have weakened the area politically. In fact, he thinks it's had the opposite effect.
"There is strength in numbers," Ryan said. "It's so much better to have two members of Congress advocating for a region than just one."
Ryan said he understands the fears created by the split, but he thinks the change will have a positive effect.
Reese does like the way Strickland and Ryan have teamed up to work on behalf of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. He hopes they'll cooperate similarly to maintain federal funding for construction of a convocation center downtown.
Strickland and Ryan said they are committed to Mahoning County as a whole, even though each represents only half the county. Strickland's district stretches from Boardman southward, taking in 11 other counties and some 350 miles along the Ohio River. Ryan's takes in northern Mahoning County -- including Youngstown -- and portions of Trumbull, Summit and Portage counties.
Strickland also thinks the county's voice is stronger now that there are two congressmen representing it instead of just one. He and Ryan work closely on issues of mutual interest, such as the airport, while trying to balance the needs of the rest of their districts.
"If Strickland wants something done in Boardman, he knows damn well I'm going to support it," Ryan said. "What's good for Boardman is good for Youngstown, and vice versa."
Doing his best
Strickland agrees that the districts could have been drawn in a more "compact and cohesive manner," but he said he's doing the best he can with the hand that was dealt to him.
"It's a huge district," Strickland said. "I didn't create it, but I'm doing the best I can to represent it."
Commissioners Vicki Allen Sherlock and David Ludt said they agree two voices in Congress are better than one. Sherlock said she felt that way all along.
"The way it happened wasn't the best scenario, but we're making the best out if it," Sherlock said. "Having that collective voice has been helpful."
Sherlock said she likes the balance between Strickland, who is a veteran lawmaker, and Ryan, who is in his first year. She and Ludt also said having two congressional districts has forced the county to take a regional perspective when it comes to development projects.
"Right now it's a team, from our county commissioners to our state legislators to our congressional representatives," Ludt said. "For us, this is an asset."
Ludt said it's important now for officials at all levels of government to work together because of the area's economic condition.
"Governments are in trouble," he said.
bjackson@vindy.com