Gerberry forgoes Senate consideration

State Rep. Ronald Gerberry, considered the front-runner to be appointed to a state Senate seat that is soon to be vacant, is no longer interested in the job.

Gerberry, of Austintown, D-59th, told The Vindicator on Sunday that he won’t seek the appointment.

“I’m staying in the House,” he said. “I’ve really thought about it. If I sought the appointment, I’d get it. But I thought, ‘Where could I do the best for my district?’”

That place, Gerberry said, is the House, where he is the most senior Democrat, serving for about 20 years.

The Democrats gained control of the House in last week’s election. Democrats made no gain in the state Senate, controlled 21-12 by Republicans.

“Staying in the House and being in the majority, I can do far more for my district,” Gerberry said. “It’s in the best interest of my community to stay in the House.”

Read the full story in Monday’s Vindicator and on vindy.com