Councils to see new faces

A Democrat councilwoman-elect in Warren said her party didn't help her.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Residents in Warren, Cortland and Lordstown will see some changes in the makeup of their council representatives.
In Warren, Helen Rucker, a Democrat, was returned to council as an at-large member with 24.6 percent of the votes cast.
She had previously served six years as a city lawmaker.
She is joined by incumbents Democrats Bob Dean and Gary M. Force, who captured 25.1 percent and 23.9 percent respectively.
A close fourth for the three at-large seats up for grabs was Nike Frenchko, a Republican.
Rucker said she wasn't surprised with Frenchko's showing, noting that the county's Republican Party helped its candidates while the Democrat Party didn't help its candidates.
She said that Warren needs good leaders despite party affiliation and put Franchko in that category.
Rucker said the city's economic well-being is the most important issue to her. Without it, there will be no jobs, business and growth.
Rucker said she will press Mayor Michael J. O'Brien for a five-year financial plan for the city.
Ward contests
Also in Warren, 1st Ward incumbent Fiore Dippolito fended off four challengers to retain his council seat.
In the 3rd Ward, Democrat Andy Barkley edged Republican George Brown, a 20-year-old Youngstown State University student.
Incumbent John Homlitas ran unopposed for city treasurer.
James "Doc" Pugh was retained in the 6th Ward, beating off Jackie A. Hudson.
Council President Robert A. Marchese, the incumbent, defeated Rodger Mease.
In Lordstown, voters turned away Councilman Richard Morgan, but re-elected Councilmen Richard Biggs and D. James London.
Councilwoman Karen Jones didn't run for re-election. Arno Hill, who served 12 years as mayor, and Michael Sullivan were elected.
"I ran on my record," Hill said, noting he put out a flier outlining his accomplishments.
He also credited his victory to working the polls Election Day.
Sullivan said he was confident he would win during the campaign. He mentioned that he believes the casino issue on Tuesday's ballot made a difference for him.
Voters approved the agreement that establishes the amount the village will share if a casino is built in the community.
Sullivan favored the agreement while Hill was against it.
London campaigned for the agreement while Biggs opposed it.
In Cortland, there will be two new faces on council -- James E. Woofter and Dennis Linville, former mayor.
Incumbent Michael L. Hillman was defeated, and Councilman Brian Fischer didn't seek re-election.
Linville said he believes voters remembered him for his accomplishments as mayor. Linville noted that he couldn't understand Hillman's defeat because Hillman had done a good job on council.
Linville said he will support the effort to get a lodge building somewhere around Mosquito Lake and a community improvement corporation to help with business growth.
yovich@vindy.com