Lyndsey Hughes will direct special events downtown

YOUNGSTOWN —City council selected the former Ohio Democratic Party’s Mahoning Valley regional director to replace Phil Kidd as the city’s downtown director of special events and special projects.

Lyndsey A. Hughes of Park Avenue on the city’s North Side wasn’t the first choice for the job for three of the six council members who voted today.

But after nominations from those three council members — Annie Gillam, D-1st; Janet Tarpley, D-6th; and John Swierz, D-7th — failed, Hughes was selected by a 6-0 vote.

Hughes, 25, served as the state Democratic party’s Valley director from October 2007 until Nov. 14, when the party eliminated the regional positions. Her salary will be the same as Kidd’s, $41,124.

“I’m really passionate about the city,” said Hughes, a 2006 Youngstown State University graduate who’s lived here since 2002. “I’m taking the political hat off and give this a shot. I’m extremely excited. I’m going to build on the programs Phil started.”

Hughes will start her new job shortly.

Council selected Hughes among 39 applicants for the job.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com