ON THE SIDE...

MR. CHAIRMAN: Ohio House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty of Columbus, D-27th, selected State Rep. Ronald V. Gerberry as the House Democrats’ caucus chairman.

In the position, Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, serves as an adviser to the caucus’ formal leadership team.

“I am humbled and proud that my caucus and my leader trust me to serve them in this position,” he said. “I have spent much of my adult life serving my community, and this new role only makes me want to work harder to improve the quality of life for my neighbors and the people of Ohio.”

Gerberry left the Ohio House in 2000, because of the state’s term-limit law, after serving for almost 19 years. Gerberry was elected Mahoning County recorder that year and held that post until he resigned in 2007 to rejoin the Ohio House. The House Democratic Caucus appointed Gerberry to the seat vacated by Kenneth A. Carano of Austintown, who went to work for the governor.

Gerberry will face Republican Dick McCarthy of Boardman in the November general election.

skolnick@vindy.com