Council needs Sammarone

Whoever is elected mayor of Youngstown on Nov. 8 will take office in January without having served in the legislative branch -- unlike outgoing Mayor George M. McKelvey and his predecessor, Patrick J. Ungaro, who both were members of council.
And while it isn't necessary for the mayor to have been a lawmaker, the experience is invaluable when it comes to dealing with seven ward representatives who see themselves as governing independent enclaves. There is built-in conflict between the executive and legislative branches, which is why the position of council president is so important.
There are two candidates running for the post in the general election, and while both have served in council, one also has executive branch experience.
Water commissioner
Charles Sammarone, the Democratic nominee, was appointed Youngstown water commissioner in March 2002 by McKelvey, after having served as president of council from 1990 to 2002 and Fifth Ward Councilman from 1984 to 1990.
In the Democratic primary, Sammarone defeated Councilman Mark Memmer, who represents the 7th Ward, and M. Mike McNair, who works for the city school system.
Given his experience and knowledge of Youngstown government, The Vindicator endorses Sammarone for the top position in council.
The Republican nominee is Richard Atkinson, who has served as the Third Ward councilman since 1998. Atkinson's term is not up and he is, therefore, running safe. He is chairman of the Finance Committee and president pro tempore.
With Sammarone as council president and Atkinson as the senior ward representative, city government should be able to operate on an even keel.