MAHONING CO. Politicians consider going for Reese's job

The open seat may affect the other county commissioner's race.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The surprise decision by Mahoning County Commissioner Ed Reese to not seek re-election next year is drawing the interest of a number of prominent local politicians.
"Ed's decision opens it up; a lot more people will line up to run," said Lisa Antonini, Mahoning County Democratic Party chairwoman.
Also, candidates who were planning to challenge Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock, another Democrat whose seat is up for election next year, are rethinking their options.
The filing deadline for the March 2004 primary is Jan. 2.
Political observers say Reese was going to face opposition, but more candidates were focused on challenging Sherlock, who was seen as the weaker of the two commissioners in terms of getting re-elected.
"This may change Vicki's race," Antonini said.
Sherlock declined to comment Monday. She said in August that she was taking her time making a decision on running for re-election.
Another twist
Antonini said Reese's decision may encourage Sherlock to seek another term. If Sherlock runs again, Antonini said she would support the incumbent. But if she doesn't run, it gives the county the opportunity to have two new faces in the commissioners office, Antonini said. Commissioner David Ludt's seat is not up for re-election until 2006.
Democrats looking at running for commissioner next year include:
UAustintown Trustee David Ditzler, former county Democratic chairman, who said he would not run against Sherlock. Ditzler said the only thing that would stop him from running for the seat being vacated by Reese is if his wife objects to it. She currently supports his seeking the post. "He'll do an outstanding job as commissioner; he's a strong candidate," Antonini added.
UYoungstown Councilmen Rufus Hudson of the 2nd Ward and Michael Rapovy of the 5th Ward. "County government is something that has always interested me. Someone from the city should be considered for the commissioner's office," Hudson said.
UWalter M. Duzzny, director of the county Emergency Management Agency. Duzzny said he will sit down with his family and discuss his candidacy in the next few weeks.
UAnthony Traficanti, the regional director for former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. Traficanti has been planning to run against Sherlock, but he may now run for Reese's seat.
UTim Batton, who ran for the Ohio House in 2000. Like Traficanti, Batton had planned to run against Sherlock. Batton said he will also look at running for Reese's seat. "This certainly gives me some options," he said.
UStruthers Mayor Dan Mamula. "I've been approached a number of times to run. I'm attracted to the idea, but I don't know if the timing's right for me," he said.
UDebbie Taylor, who lost by less than 2 percent to Reese in the 2000 Democratic primary. Taylor already was circulating petitions to run against Reese before the commissioner's announcement. Taylor said she hasn't decidedon her candidacy.
UContractor Dominic Cioffi.
County Auditor George Tablack, who has been mentioned as a potential commissioner candidate, refused to discuss the matter. "You can speculate all you want," he said.
GOP race
Mark Munroe, Mahoning County Republican vice chairman, said the departure of Reese makes it easier for the party to find candidates to run for county commissioner.
"Everyone saw Vicki as an easy target, and Ed Reese is fairly well-regarded, even in Republican circles," he said.
The Republicans interested in running for commissioner are Boardman Trustee Kathy Miller, who ran in 2000 against Sherlock; Sam Moffie, who also ran in 2000 against Sherlock; Ted Roberts, an attorney and former county educational service center board member; and Jay Basinger, an auctioneer.
"Now, hopefully, one or two of those candidates can turn their attention to Ed's seat," Munroe said.
skolnick@vindy.com