Wellington stands alone for Mahoning Co. sheriff

YOUNGSTOWN — Like the cheese, Mahoning County Sheriff Randall Wellington stands alone.

The Mahoning County Board of Elections voted to disqualify Wellington’s three would-be independent challengers at its meeting today.

That leaves Wellington, a Youngstown Democrat, unopposed in the November general election.

“It’s going to be a lot easier this fall,” Wellington said after the board ruled the three retired sheriff’s department employees ineligible to run.

The three were disqualified for different reasons.

James S. Horvath of Boardman, a former lieutenant, only had 878 valid signatures on his nominating petitions.

Those running for sheriff as independents needed 953 valid signatures to be ruled eligible.

John Martynyszyn of Youngstown, an ex-corporal, voted in the Democratic primary March 4, the day after he filed his petitions as an independent.

The Ohio Secretary of State’s office issued an opinion last year disqualifying candidates who vote in a party primary election after filing as an independent.

Howard Faison of Youngstown retired as a captain May 1, 2003.

To be eligible to run for sheriff, a person needs state peace officer training within three or four years after their retirement, depending on their job classification. Faison didn’t submit documentation to the elections board proving he had the training.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.