Candidates support local airport

Most candidates see potential for the regional airport.
& lt;a href=mailto:skolnick@vindy.com & gt;By DAVID SKOLNICK & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Commissioner candidates in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, for the most part, see the local airport as an asset that needs more attention.
The candidates don't think the airport will ever be able to compete with facilities in Pittsburgh or Cleveland, but most see potential for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport as a cog to improve the local economy and quality of life for Mahoning Valley residents.
The Vindicator sent questionnaires to all commissioner candidates in both counties who are facing opposition in the March 2 primary asking them about a number of issues, including the airport.
The six Democratic candidates running for the two open commissioner seats in Mahoning County returned their questionnaires.
Of the seven Democrats and two Republicans running for the Trumbull commissioner seat currently held by Joseph J. Angelo Jr., who is seeking re-election, five Democrats and both Republicans responded. Angelo, who has supported the airport in the past, and former Commissioner John F. McCloskey didn't respond.
Of the four Democrats running for the seat held by Commissioner Daniel E. Polivka, who is seeking re-election, all but John A. MacKenzie returned the questionnaire.
Mahoning responses
The responses from the Democratic candidates running to replace Mahoning County Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock for a term that begins Jan. 2 were:
UAnthony Traficanti of Poland: "I see the airport as an asset to derive a potential economic stimulus to our local economy. I will work hard to continue to save the airport, and to market its viability on a local and national scale."
UDavid Ditzler of Austintown: "I believe the airport and the air base are essential to the future growth of our county and our region. ... I will also support making funds available to subsidize the new passenger carrier that plans to begin operations at the airport."
UWilliam Flickinger of Youngstown: It's "going to have [to have] some fiscal responsibility."
The responses from the Democratic candidates running to replace Mahoning Commissioner Ed Reese for a term that begins Jan. 3 were:
U Mark Belinky of Boardman: "By all measures, the airport has been unsuccessful, [but] I believe the airport has great potential. Perhaps a lack of aviation expertise on the port authority board and a lack of proper marketing have stymied development."
U John A. McNally IV of Youngstown: "I do not believe that we can ever give up on attempting to achieve success for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. It does not appear that it will return to be a full-service passenger hub, but I do believe regional air travel and direct flights will bring good news to this airport."
UBeth Stanko of Boardman: "Since larger airlines are in financial difficulty perhaps we could entice smaller airlines into the area."
From Trumbull candidates
The responses from the Democratic candidates in Trumbull County running against Angelo for a term that begins Jan. 2 were:
UReginald F. Giancola Jr. of Niles: We should "continue to try to bring in airline services to our area."
UPaul E. Heltzel of Niles: "The regional airport is a necessary component of the air base."
U Melissa M. Long of Cortland: "The airport is an asset. It is also a valuable tool for the commissioners to use in marketing the county as an important component in the superior transportation grid we can provide. It also has a significant importance because of its intertwining with the air base and as such its survival is an imperative component in the strategy to keep the military facility open."
UDavid C. Cook of Warren: We should be "working on bringing additional airlines in and tourism."
UJohn D. Robertson of Warren: "We need to envision the airport as a necessary component in our economic development and establish a funding level that will allow it be maintained and plan for technological improvements."
The responses from the Republican candidates in Trumbull County running for a term that begins Jan. 2 were:
UArno A. Hill of Lordstown: "The airport needs to stay open to keep our air base viable. ... I will work to promote the success of the airport, but a drive is needed to achieve a self-supporting operation."
UMichael Colello of Mecca: "I think the airport is a very valuable asset to us that needs to be saved. I think it shows good potential, but needs delicate diplomacy."
The responses from Democratic candidates in Trumbull County challenging Polivka for a term that begins Jan. 3 were:
UPolivka, of Warren: "I support the $150,000 going toward the airport and with the new airline coming, this is great for our county to continue to market the land and airport."
UGwen Logan of Farmdale: "I believe the airport is a diamond in the rough. Because of our physical location I still believe that the airport can be an important, if not the most important, part of our future economic growth."
UDonald J. Barzak of Johnston: "We need to take a more concerted effort and approach to attract businesses to our airport area. We have spent a lot of money out there, but it is going to take follow-through and commitment from our leadership if the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is to prosper."
& lt;a href=mailto:skolnick@vindy.com & gt;skolnick@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;