MAHONING SHERIFF Faison first to announce candidacy

He retired from the sheriff's department six months ago with a medical disability.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A retired Mahoning County Sheriff's Department lieutenant plans to run for sheriff in the March 2004 Democratic primary.
Howard L. Faison Jr. of Youngstown filed a declaration of campaign treasurer with the county elections board making him the first official candidate for the sheriff's position.
Sheriff Randall Wellington is running for re-election. Also, former Sheriff Edward P. Nemeth, who served from 1985 to 1996, plans to run, and sheriff's Capt. James M. Lewandowski is a likely candidate.
All are expected to run as Democrats.
The deadline to file for the March 2, 2004, primary to run as a party candidate for sheriff is Jan. 2.
Faison retired on a medical disability related to a spinal injury in May after spending nearly 30 years at the sheriff's department, most recently as assistant jail warden. This is the first time he will run for political office.
Cites experience
Faison points to his experience, including heading the patrol, detective and warrant divisions, serving as jail warden and assistant warden, and being president of the deputy's local Fraternal Order of Police, for six years as to why he is the best candidate.
"It's time to clean up that place," Faison said. "It's time for a change. Morale has never been so low."
Faison said Nemeth was "a hell of a good sheriff," but doubts the ex-sheriff can win the March primary. Faison said Nemeth "has a lot of baggage" related to references Lenny Strollo, the former local mob boss, made about his relationship with Nemeth during the federal corruption trial of former Sheriff Phil Chance.
Faison said he has trouble getting around because of the spinal injury, but can do the job of sheriff, if elected.
"You don't have to do too much running or jumping as sheriff," he said. "My mind is still sharp."
Faison sued the county in 2000 for $620,000 in damages contending county officials denied his application for medical insurance benefits in 1998 without reason, causing him to delay surgery on his shoulders by a year. That lawsuit is still pending.
skolnick@vindy.com