Williams holds back on nod for governor

The mayor is impressed with Strickland's concern about urban issues.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- While U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, traveled around the state picking up endorsements from influential black Democrats, one is still missing: Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams.
Strickland, of Lisbon, D-6th, received endorsements Thursday from:
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, who withdrew from the gubernatorial race against Strickland before the Feb. 16 filing deadline.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.
Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin.
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Cleveland, the only black member of Congress from Ohio. Tubbs Jones previously had problems with Strickland related to the handling of the election of state Rep. Chris Redfern as Ohio Democratic Party chairman last year.
Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia Fudge.
Strickland met with all of the above, except Fudge, last Friday to discuss his urban agenda. Williams also attended that meeting at the request of Tubbs Jones. Strickland met with these officials in private sessions during the past few months to get their thoughts on his urban agenda and to gain their support.
"I liked what I heard from him," Williams said of Strickland. "Based on the [May 26] meeting, Strickland is proving to be in tune with urban city issues."
Where mayor stands
Williams, who's been Youngstown mayor since Jan. 1, said he still isn't ready to make a gubernatorial endorsement.
Williams said he first wants to meet with Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell of Cincinnati, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, before deciding whom he'll support.
Blackwell is supposed to be in the Youngstown area in the next two weeks, and Williams expects to meet with him.
"I want to make sure that any support beyond my vote is earned," said Williams, who acknowledges he voted for Strickland in the May 2 Democratic primary.
Carlo LoParo, Blackwell's campaign spokesman, said the GOP candidate would "appreciate any support [Williams] would give us."
Williams acknowledged he's somewhat hesitant to endorse a gubernatorial candidate. But the mayor said he will probably make an endorsement -- whether it's at a press conference or an informal announcement.
Williams wants assurances from whoever he endorses that Youngstown won't be forgotten. With Strickland living in nearby Lisbon, Williams is encouraged the Democrat would help Youngstown if he's elected in November.
"The biggest concern I have is we won't be taken for granted," Williams said. "The governor has a significant amount of pressure from Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati once they get" elected.
Williams is a registered Democrat who won last year's Youngstown mayoral race as an independent. His largest campaign contributor was Mahoning County Republican Chairman Clarence R. Smith.
Strickland praises Williams
Strickland said he would love to have Williams' endorsement and will continue to meet with him to discuss urban issues.
"He's a significant talent," Strickland said. "He's young and very creative in his thinking. He is someone whose support I'd greatly appreciate, but I also understand these are individual decisions people must make when they feel comfortable in doing so."
Strickland said Williams has a "terrific political future," and said he is "amazed how the Mahoning Valley produces so many savvy and capable political figures."
Strickland said he was thrilled to receive the endorsements of state black political leaders.
"It's very important and significant to my campaign," he said.
Strickland listened to their concerns about urban issues such as state capital budget and Local Government Fund cuts as well as education, housing, urban blight and home rule.
"They all feel neglect and hostility directed at our current state government leadership," made up entirely of Republicans, Strickland said.
Coleman said he is confident Strickland understands the challenges of urban cities and would implement policies if elected governor to address those issues.
Strickland already has the endorsement of Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, who is black, as well as Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and Parma Mayor Dean DiPiero, who are both white.
Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett and LoParo dismissed the endorsements as nothing more than Democrats supporting a Democratic candidate.
"The real issue here is that it took months for Ted Strickland to even rally his own party behind his candidacy," Bennett said. "Maybe that has a lot to do with his inability to get anything done in Congress."
skolnick@vindy.com