Gerberry to replace Carano in Columbus

The Ohio House Democratic Caucus appointed Mahoning County Recorder Ronald Gerberry today to fill the unexpired term of Kenneth A. Carano, who is leaving Monday for a job in the Gov. Ted Strickland administration.

Gerberry of Austintown, a former 19-year state House member, was unanimously selected for the seat beating out three other candidates. The candidates were interviewed last week by a seven-member screening committee. The other candidates were Joe Leonard, a former Milton Township trustee; Poland Township Trustee Robert Lidle Jr.; and Tom Kelley of Boardman, a former business owner.

A House resolution officially installing Gerberry as the 59th Ohio House representative will be voted on as soon as Tuesday.

“We are excited to have Ron Gerberry back,” said House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty of Columbus.

The Mahoning County Democratic Party’s precinct committee members will meet sometime next month to select Gerberry’s replacement as county recorder.

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