ON THE SIDE. . .
ON THE SIDE. . .
This and that from the world of Valley politics.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: I love a parade, particularly the Fourth of July Parade in Austintown. Every year, my family and I attend the "full-contact" parade. It is quite apparent this is a big election year because numerous politicians and candidates participated. If you didn't recognize the person waving at you from a car or walking the parade route shaking hands, no need to sweat it. Just read the large signs near the politician or candidate telling you who they are and the office they are seeking.
In previous years, I've been spotted by politicians and "accidentally" pelted in the head with large pieces of candy. This year, the only attack came from Austintown Township Trustee Bo Pritchard, who grabbed a few fistfuls of mini Tootsie Rolls and threw them in my direction. One hit me, of course, in the head. (You've got to be careful with those minis because you could take out an eye with the proper throw.)
My daughters, Spencer and Logan, grabbed a few pounds of choice "street candy." The next day, they went to my in-laws for the week leaving behind all that candy sitting in our kitchen. Hopefully they won't be too upset when they return to find half of their stash has mysteriously disappeared.
It wasn't particularly hot outside, but some politicians never learn their lesson about dressing for the July Fourth parade. For the third year in a row, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, wore a long-sleeved shirt and looked quite sweaty when I spotted him about one-third of the way down the parade route.
skolnick@vindy.com