Mayoral candidates state their cases to lead the city
The candidates said they would revitalize the city.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Six of the eight Democrats vying for the Youngstown mayoral seat told a standing-room-only crowd why they are the best candidate for the job.
None of the candidates was specific about plans, but all indicated they would do their best to revitalize the city, look for innovative ways to attract businesses to Youngstown and to provide leadership.
Those attending the Tuesday forum sponsored by the Westside Coalition 4th and 5th Wards at the Knights of Columbus hall on Industrial Road included city council President James Fortune Sr., Councilman Michael Rapovy of the 5th Ward, Police Chief Robert Bush, former council President John Swierz, and two people who've never held office, Patricia O'Connell and William Flickinger.
Absent
State Sen. Robert F. Hagan and state Rep. Sylvester D. Patton Jr., the two other Democratic candidates, couldn't attend the forum because the state Legislature is in session.
Mayor George M. McKelvey cannot run for re-election this year because of the city's term limits law. The Democratic primary is May 3. The winner faces Republican Robert Korchnak and anyone who files as a nonparty candidate by the May 2 deadline in the November general election.
Those with political and city administrative experience said they were better equipped to be the next mayor.
O'Connell and Flickinger, who've failed in the past to get elected, said they are better prepared to be mayor because they are not old politicians who've done nothing but watch as the city continues to deteriorate.
The format called for each candidate to answer the same seven questions and to deliver closing remarks.
The six agreed that it's important to offer incentives to not only attract new businesses to the city, but also to retain the ones already here.
Promotion of water
They also agreed that the city should promote the distribution of its water.
"It's one of the few jewels we have in Youngstown," Bush said.
Fortune said expanding waterlines would drive down the cost of water for those who receive the service from the city.
O'Connell suggested a flat water rate for each homeowner regardless of the number of people living in a dwelling.
Rapovy said the best way to help the city's water system is to attract more people to Youngstown.
"Let's stop looking to the suburbs to bail us out," he said.
The city sells water to surrounding communities.
Swierz and Flickinger said the time for talking about expanding waterlines is over, and action needs to be taken now.
Responding to allegations
Before the forum, Fortune released a statement in response to recent allegations made by Hagan that mayoral candidates, whom he wouldn't identify, were asking city employees, whom he also wouldn't identify, for campaign donations.
Hagan plans to introduce legislation to protect local government employees from feeling pressured to contribute to local campaigns as a condition of their employment.
"This is an old shotgun approach to hurt all of your opponents by a vague accusation of wrongdoing, hoping some of the accusations will stick on them all," Fortune said.
Fortune said he will ask the Ohio Ethics Commission and Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains to look into the matter. Also, Fortune said Hagan should be compelled to name names.