ON THE SIDE. . .

ON THE SIDE. . .
This and that from the world of Valley politics.
Public servant: The Ohio Democratic Party presented state Rep. John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-61st, with its Myrl H. Shoemaker award. The award, named for the former 24-year Ohio House member and ex-lieutenant governor, is presented annually to a state lawmaker in recognition of excellence in public service. Boccieri spent time earlier this year on active duty in the Middle East as an Air Force Reserve pilot.
Promising leader: State Rep. Sandra Stabile Harwood of Niles, D-65th, is among 36 Midwestern lawmakers chosen to participate in a training program that identifies and assists promising new state leaders. Harwood will attend the Council of State Governments' 10th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development program from July 30 to Aug. 3 in Madison, Wis.
Fair treatment: U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart of Bradford Woods, Pa., R-4th, recently returned from a congressional delegation trip to Guantanamo Bay to see the conditions of the facilities and detainees, and to observe the interrogation process. The U.S. Naval base there is holding 595 detainees considered to be enemy combatants, including terrorist suspects captured in Afghanistan and Pakistan after the 9/11 attacks, Hart said. Hart, who represents portions of Mercer and Lawrence counties, said the detainees are being treated fairly.
skolnick@vindy.com