TRUMBULL COUNTY Former state rep to seek clerk post

Two other candidates are also seeking the Democratic nomination.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
WARREN -- Former state Rep. June Lucas will seek the Democratic nomination next year for the Trumbull County clerk of courts position with the blessing of the outgoing, longtime holder of the job.
Lucas of Mineral Ridge left the Ohio House at the end of 2000, after serving for 14 years, because of the state's term-limits law.
"I have missed public service very much since" then, Lucas said. "I have the energy and commitment to bring the taxpayers of Trumbull County the same dedication, integrity and ethical service I brought to my district as state representative."
Margaret O'Brien of Warren, who has served 16 years as clerk of courts, is retiring at the end of 2004, when her term expires.
"I've got big shoes to fill," Lucas said.
Thinking about retiring, O'Brien first asked Lucas this past winter if she's be interested in taking her place.
Reason for urgency
Karen Infante Allen of Niles, who waged a fierce but unsuccessful battle for the seat against O'Brien in 2000, is also seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat, and that gave O'Brien a sense of urgency when it came to finding a replacement. During the 2000 Democratic primary, Allen asserted that O'Brien was driven to appointments not related to work by her employees on county time.
Lucas also is a former Infante family adversary, having run-ins with Niles Mayor Ralph A. Infante Jr., Allen's brother, during her tenure as a state legislator, particularly over the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District.
Neither Allen, who has spent 16 years in the Niles Municipal Court and serves as its systems administrator, nor Lucas would comment on the rivalry or the prospect of facing each other. Both said they are running for an open seat, and it doesn't matter who they oppose.
Also seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat is Mark Stan of Liberty, a deputy clerk in the Mahoning County clerk of courts office for nearly 17 years. This is his first time running for public office.
The filing deadline for the March primary is Jan. 2.
skolnick@vindy.com