Ticket distribution continues for Obama visit

By SHELBY SCHROEDER

Austintown’s police chief said there are no plans to divert traffic for the event.

YOUNGSTOWN — Free tickets for presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama’s visit to Austintown are still available.

Coordinators for Obama’s town hall-style meeting at Austintown Fitch High School on Tuesday said two ticket distribution areas will reopen today.

“We expect there to be a lot of interest [today] and look forward to having a full house Tuesday,” said Isaac Baker, regional communications director for the Obama campaign.

The tickets, required to attend the event, will be available today between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., or until tickets are gone. The public can pick up their tickets at two locations: the Mahoning County Campaign for Change Headquarters at 5020 Market St., Youngstown; and the Trumbull County Democratic Headquarters at 164 High St. N.E., Warren.

Obama is expected to speak in the high school’s gymnasium, which can hold approximately 2,500 spectators. Baker expects volunteers for the campaign to hand out between 2,000 and 2,300 tickets.

Officers with the Austintown Police Department will meet for the second time with the Secret Service today to discuss security measures at the high school. Chief Robert Gavalier said there are no plans to close streets or divert traffic during Obama’s visit, and expects to dedicate 16 to 18 of his officers to security for the event. Attendees will have to pass through a security check.

Doors will open at 7:15 a.m. at the high school, 4560 Falcon Drive, with Obama scheduled to speak at 9 a.m.

Baker said the speech will focus on the concerns of Ohio families in the current economy.