Now, more than ever, your vote is important

Think about Tuesday's primary as a civics lesson for the recently freed people of Iraq, whose only experience with voting was in elections in which there was just one candidate -- Saddam Hussein.
Freedom of choice? Hardly. Freedom to express discontent? Get real. A choice as to whether or not to participate? Only at great risk to one's life.
America has used its military might to oust Saddam and to bring the promise of democracy to Iraq. While the transition is still in its infancy, the Iraqi people are undoubtedly looking to us to understand the true meaning of freedom. And the right to vote is the ultimate expression of a free society.
That's why every election is important -- even one in which there are few hotly contested races.
The importance of local contests and issues must not be diminished by voters' deciding to stay home.
Leading the list is the race for mayor of Warren. The incumbent, Henry Angelo, chose not to seek re-election this year, thus paving the way for an exciting Democratic election featuring five contestants.
In Girard, the mayor's race is of interest because the incumbent, James Melfi, has taken on some members of the political establishment in the city with his criticism of the purchase of Girard Lakes. He faces three challengers.
In Youngstown, the race for city council president has spotlighted the animus that exists between the two candidates, John Swierz, who was appointed to the position a year ago, and veteran lawmaker James A. Fortune Sr.
The Vindicator spent several weeks reviewing some of the races, studying the positions of the candidates and conducting interviews with the contenders. With all that information in hand, the newspaper made the following endorsements.
DEMOCRAT
Youngstown
Council president - James A. Fortune Sr.
Warren
Mayor - Michael O'Brien
Girard
Mayor - James Melfi
Hubbard
Mayor - Walter Praznik
The Vindicator also urges voters to support the various school levies and tax issues that pertain to important social service agencies.