Panel search gets big applicant results

The panel will decide on use of $2,595,725 in levy money annually.
WARREN -- Trumbull County commissioners have had a robust response to their request for people interested in serving on a new panel for senior citizens services, with 56 applications being turned in.
The commissioners sought the applications for an 11-member citizens panel after Trumbull County voters approved a 0.75-mill levy on the November ballot for senior citizens services. It will raise $2,595,725 annually. No such levy had been approved in the county before.
The levy was sought by organizations such as the Trumbull County Office of Elderly Affairs, SCOPE Inc., District XI Area Agency On Aging and Mobile Meals. People had until Dec. 21 to apply.
Commissioner Paul Heltzel said it is possible that elected officials and other well-known people won't get picked for the panel to ensure that other citizens on the panel won't be overwhelmed by them. He said commissioners will probably start looking at their choices after the first of the year.
Notable applicants
Among the more well-known people applying for the citizens panel to oversee the spending are:
UJoseph Bartlemain, Girard, former Warren postmaster.
UThomas M. Mahoney, Girard, Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services director.
UJohn Moliterno, Girard, former president of the Regional Chamber.
UMartin J. O'Connell, Girard, former member of the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees
UJanice L. Bolchalk, Hubbard, former director of the Second Harvest Foodbank.
UChristanne G. Boone, Newton Falls, director of Community Skilled Healthcare Center, Warren.
UEric Thompson, Newton Falls, owner of Satolli Carpet, Warren.
UDonald Emerson Jr., Warren, Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority executive director.
UFred Harris, Warren, former Warren director of public safety and service.
UMargaret O'Brien, former Trumbull County clerk of courts.
UMichael G. Verich, Warren, former state representative.
UCharlene W. Allen, Warren, executive director of the ACOP Center, Warren.
UPatrick N. Guliano, Warren, former Niles superintendent of schools.
UJim Richards, West Farmington, mayor of West Farmington.
UThomas A. Swift, Vienna, Trumbull County probate judge.