YOUNGSTOWN 2 political groups trade complaints over Web site

The comments are intimidating women leaders, the caucus said.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two political groups have exchanged complaints over an Internet message board.
The Mahoning Valley Women's Political Caucus called a press conference Thursday to complain about the message board maintained at the Web site of the Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts.
The moves came after the Democrats group indicated it is exploring a recall of Mahoning County Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock.
The caucus said in a statement that it has monitored the board and "found it consistent with other hate sites."
Atty. Mark Belinky of the Democrats said more than half the group is women, and includes blacks.
The caucus said Sherlock has been targeted on the message board in four-letter words. A small sampling of messages indicated some called Sherlock "hot," and others noted her looks would be an asset if she tried to run for higher office.
The caucus contended that the message board is "intimidating women in leadership positions."
"What evidence does this organization have for this outrageous statement? None," Belinky wrote.
Warning parents
The caucus urged parents to block the site from their children, although their statement made it clear how to easily find the site.
Belinky responded that the site is not for children. He added that Sherlock is the subject of positive and negative comments. And the caucus noted some comments on the board are thoughtful and insightful.
The caucus said the Democrats group is not a legitimate organization. Belinky said it has been an official, nonprofit corporation for five years.
The caucus said politicians listed on the Web site should take their names off it, and urged other organizations to condemn the messages.
"There is no evidence that our group encourages anyone to engage in 'hate speech,'" Belinky stated.
"We must set our standards higher than we have in the past if we want our area to grow and prosper," the caucus stated.
"We helped elect the brightest young stars of the Democratic party," Belinky stated. He added that the group has sponsored a number of pro-Mahoning Valley forums.