On the SidE. . .

ON THE SIDE. . .
This and that from the world of Valley politics.
NOT A STEPPING STONE: John Swierz says he doesn't see his Democratic primary victory for Youngstown's 7th Ward council seat as a stepping stone to another mayoral bid.
Swierz dispelled rumors that he only wants to be on council so he can run for the city's highest office. Swierz lost the 2005 Democratic mayoral primary.
"I have no intention of running for mayor again," he said. "I'm good at being a councilman and that's what I'll be."
Swierz' other citywide race was for council president, against James Fortune in 2003. When Swierz left the Mahoning County Board of Elections after that primary, he was told by elections officials that he had won a close race.
But the results of one voting machine hadn't been counted -- and when they were, Fortune eked out a victory.
skolnick@vindy.com