Delayed by weather

Delayed by weather

Ice storms that kept polls open late in the northwestern portion of the state caused some frustration for those following Mahoning County elections. Supporters anxiously awaiting word on their candidates at Antone’s Banquet Center in Boardman and OCCHA in Youngstown learned they had to wait until 9 p.m. for the county board of elections to begin releasing results. Groups at both locations began gathering around large-screen televisions as returns finally began showing up on Vindy.com and local TV stations around 9:15 p.m.

Early returns around 9:30 p.m. showed Mahoning County Commissioner John McNally IV, ahead of his opponent in the Democratic primary, Mary Lyden, by a 2-to-1 margin.

“That’s just where I want to be,” McNally said.

Celebrating with cake

It was a quiet crowd that began gathering at Antone’s Banquet Center in Boardman shortly after 7 p.m., awaiting the arrival of Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti and Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains. About 80 people ate and listened to music provided by a DJ before the crowd started growing, reaching well over 100 shortly after 8 p.m. Sitting at one side of the room were two large sheet cakes bearing the logos, “Congratulations Commissioner Traficanti,” just ready to be carved up. The candidates didn’t enter the hall until about 9:10 p.m.

Sealed with a kiss

Regardless of the outcome of the Democratic race for Mahoning County probate judge, Mark Belinky was the clear winner of the “Most Creative Polling Place Handout” in Tuesday’s election. Belinky, appointed to the bench three months ago by Gov. Ted Strickland, had his campaign workers give voters Hershey Kisses as they entered polling places.

Next time, no popcorn

While there’s no sign by the microwave in the Mahoning County Board of Elections’ kitchen, it’s clearly understood by all that no one was to use it election night.

While elections officials were tallying votes during the November 2007 election, someone decided to use the microwave to pop popcorn.

Big mistake.

It caused an electric circuit to trip and shut down the machines in midcount for a brief time.

X Contributors: Harold Gwin, David Skolnick and Bertram DeSouza.