ON THE SIDE. . .

ON THE SIDE. . .
This and that from the world of Valley politics.
BEST WISHES: Judge Robert Lisotto deserves much praise for being brave enough to discuss being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and his willingness to draw attention to the horrible medical condition. Good luck and my best wishes to the judge and his family.
Key battleground: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently quoted Frank Rayl of Salem, the Democratic candidate for the 1st Ohio House District seat, in an article about Ohio's being a key battleground state in the presidential election. Rayl served as president of the 253-member union at Salem's Eljer Plumbingware, that closed May 31. Rayl, a political newcomer, referred to himself in the article as "the walking poster child for what is happening to American workers." Rayl challenges state Rep. Charles Blasdel, an East Liverpool Republican seeking his third two-year term in the state House, in the November election. The 1st District takes in all of Columbiana County.
Board chairman: The Mahoning County Mental Health Board elected Andy Hamady of Poland, a political media consultant and treasurer of the Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts political club, to a two-year term as its chairman. The board also elected the Rev. Nicholas Shori of New Middletown as first vice chairman, Rose Mary Memo of Poland as second vice chairman, Atty. Lori Shells-Conne of Youngstown as secretary, and Denise Walters-Dobson of Youngstown as treasurer.
skolnick@vindy.com