Democrats to pick Fuda's replacement

By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Democratic precinct committee members will meet Jan. 11 to replace Frank Fuda as 1st Ward councilman.
Fuda, who has served as ward councilman for 17 years, becomes one of three Trumbull County commissioners after the first of the year.
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. in city council chambers, said Christ Michelakis, county party chairman.
Michelakis said those who are interested in filling the unexpired term are asked to write him a letter and send it, along with a r & eacute;sum & eacute;, to Trumbull County Democratic Headquarters, 3200 Ridge Road, Warren 44484.
Fuda said Dave Wilkerson, a 1st Ward resident, has expressed interest in serving out the unexpired term. Wilkerson challenged Fuda in the November 2003 general election. Wilkerson ran as an independent candidate.
Michelakis said Wilkerson's candidacy as an independent may cause a problem with his eligibility.
The party chairman said he knows there is a required lapse between the time a candidate runs for office as a non-Democrat and when the candidate can run as a Democrat. Michelakis said he will check with the party parliamentarian about the question of a gap.
There is also a question about the lapse applying to those seeking election or an appointment. This also will be addressed Jan. 11 by the precinct committee members.
Wilkerson has an unlisted phone number and couldn't be reached to comment.
Fuda said Wilkerson is a party member because he's a member of the Niles Democrat Club.
2 other potentials
Fuda said that two other residents of the 1st Ward approached him after his election as county commissioner about filling his term. But Fuda said he hasn't heard from the two lately.
Despite Wilkerson's challenging him in 2003, Fuda said the two have worked together to upgrade Kennedy Park.
Fuda explained that they worked toward building a pavilion and fishing dock at Kennedy Park and are cooperating to establish an educational fishing center to open in the spring in the park.
They have also cooperated in removing fallen trees from the Mahoning River.
yovich@vindy.com