TRUMBULL COUNTY 3 candidates seek to replace commissioner

WARREN -- It appears three people have emerged to replace James Tsagaris as Trumbull County commissioner.
Tsagaris announced he is retiring a few days ago and would not run for another four-year term.
Christ Michelakis, county Democratic Party chairman, said he has heard from only two candidates so far -- Girard Mayor James Melfi and Niles Councilman Frank Fuda.
He said he understands that Warren City Council President Robert Marchese also has begun to circulate petitions for the job.
He said he believes rumors that Patrick Ungaro, former Youngstown mayor and current Liberty Township administrator, is interested in the position are untrue.
"I think the whole key will be who gets the party endorsement," Michelakis said, explaining that the party central committee will meet March 7 at DiVieste's Banquet Hall to make the selection.
He said the party also will make endorsements for local races and for 11th District Court of Appeals. He said he didn't believe the party would make endorsements for statewide offices unless the state party does so. The filing deadline for the May primary is Feb. 16.