61ST DISTRICT Challenger: State rep isn't on job

The state legislator is in Germany on active duty.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
The Republican challenger to state Rep. John Boccieri said the 61st Ohio House District isn't being properly served because the incumbent is constantly out of the country serving in the military.
"People have concerns that he's not here to serve the district, and I agree with them," said Randy Pope of Alliance, Boccieri's Republican challenger. "I appreciate he's fulfilling his duties, but he's not serving his district when he's overseas. We're not getting the representation we deserve with him over there."
On duty
Attempts to reach Boccieri on Wednesday weren't successful. Boccieri, an Air Force Reserve major and pilot, is in Germany until next week on active military duty, his wife, Stacey, said. He was called up last Thursday.
As late as three days before he was called up, Boccieri said military officials had told him he would be able to stay in this country to campaign for his November re-election. His wife said the brief call-up was a complete surprise.
She also said her husband's military duty hasn't adversely impacted his service to his district, which includes portions of Mahoning, Stark, and Tuscarawas counties, and all of Carroll County. When Boccieri is overseas, other legislators provide service to his constituents.
"John's constituents are well-aware of the fact he's in the military," Stacey Boccieri said. "His constituents have been very supportive and understanding of his situation. The activation is temporary, and I feel the district is being covered. John is more qualified for the job than Randy Pope."
Other tours of duty
Boccieri served two tours of duty this year in the Middle East flying military personnel and supplies in and out of Iraq. Before his most recent call to active duty, Boccieri, a New Middletown Democrat, said he was concerned that Pope would use his military service against him as a campaign issue.
Boccieri, seeking his third two-year term in the Ohio House, defeated Pope in the 2002 election. He was first elected in 2000, defeating Ron Hood, a three-term Republican incumbent.
skolnick@vindy.com