Voters booting out incumbents who snuffed out fire department

SALEM -- Democrats appeared to be on their way to a sweep of four seats on Salem City Council.
Republican at-large council members Nancy Cope, A. Frederick Vogel and Alma Apicella were faced by Democrats Justin Palmer, Clyde Brown and Earl A. Schory II.
Republican Council President David Ventresco was challenged by Democrat Tod Mumphire.
All the Democrats were well ahead of the Republican incumbents, according to partial results from balloting in Tuesday's general election.
Michael Burns, head of the union representing Salem firefighters, said he thinks the outcome was the result of council's agreeing to eliminate the city fire department as a cost-saving measure and form a joint fire district with Perry Township.
However, in Perry Township, the two incumbents, Jerry Wolford and Larry Parker, were in the lead. They are being challenged by John E. Adams, Mary Ann Dzuracky and Garry Morrison.
In the race for Columbiana County Municipal Court judge, Carol Ann Robb and K. Bret Apple were neck and neck. Also in the race are Virginia Barborak and Don W. Humphrey Jr.
wilkinson@vindy.com