MAHONING COUNTY Boardman man plans another run for commissioner's seat next year

YOUNGSTOWN -- A Boardman man who ran for Mahoning County commissioner in 2000 is going to give it another try next year.
Sam Moffie, an outspoken political activist who operates two taverns, was to be the first person to officially file nominating petitions to run for commissioner today.Moffie is running as a Republican for the seat held by Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock. Sherlock, a Democrat, hasn't announced if she will seek re-election.
Jan. 2 is the filing deadline for the March 2 primary.
"As my campaign unfolds, I will present the people of Mahoning County real solutions, not hollow promises," Moffie said.
Moffie unsuccessfully ran for commissioner as the Republican nominee against Sherlock in the 2000 general election. He also failed in a 2001 bid for Boardman Township trustee.
Tim Batton, who ran for the Ohio House in 2000 and chaired the Youngstown school bond issue committee in 2000, and Anthony Traficanti, regional director for former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., are planning to run as Democrats for Sherlock's seat.
Mark Belinky, president of Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts political organization, announced he is running for the other commissioner seat available next year. That seat is held by Commissioner Ed Reese, who is not seeking re-election.