ON THE SIDE. . .

ON THE SIDE. . .
This and that from the world of Valley politics.
COLUMN RETURNS: Just when you thought it was finally safe to turn to the Op-Ed page, I'm back. I want to thank everyone who asked [sometimes repeatedly] about the status of the column and wanted its return. Be careful what you wish for.
Mayoral race: It's a good time to resume the column as we enter the home stretch of the Youngstown mayoral race; a topic I'll tackle next week. Also, those considering runs in 2006 for county, state and congressional seats are now weighing their options.
Ryan in the spotlight: A recent article in the Washington Post about the Democratic "30-Something Working Group" in Congress referred to U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, as a key member of a "new generation of Democrats who are working to try to topple the GOP. Their fresh ideas, modern media skills and aggressive political tactics have inspired a party that has drifted for much of the past decade -- wedded to old notions and seemingly incapable of capitalizing on White House and congressional Republican miscues."
skolnick@vindy.com