Seventh person shows interest in taking seat on Poland council

POLAND — A seventh person has submitted a letter of interest in the vacant village council seat.

Jeff Vrabel Sr., commander of the Sons of the American Legion Mahoning Valley Squadron 15, was the most recent person to express interest in writing. Tuesday was the deadline.

Six others had previously applied. Among them are the three candidates vying for the mayor's seat in November: Republican John Yerian III and independents Timothy Sicafuse and Ralph Mentzer. The other three are Ted Heineman, a member of the village’s stormwater advisory team and cemetery association; Robert Mastriana, an architect; and Joseph Esposito, a Youngstown State University student.

Council is expected to appoint the council person at next Tuesday’s meeting. The vacancy was created when Ruth Wilkes, mayor for 18 years, resigned. Christine Yash then became mayor through the end of Wilkes’ term, which expires at year’s end.

The person appointed to Yash’s council seat will also serve through the end of this year.