Commissioner passes on Senate seat

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Mahoning County Commissioner John McNally IV

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Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti

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State Sen. John Boccieri of Alliance, D-33rd

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Jason Wilson

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Robyn Gallitto

By David Skolnick

One county commissioner is out and another is leaning that way.

YOUNGSTOWN — When it comes to selecting John Boccieri’s replacement in the Ohio Senate, it could end up being last candidate standing.

Mahoning County Commissioner John A. McNally IV of Youngstown, considered a front-runner for the seat, is no longer interested in the appointment.

Anthony Traficanti, of Poland, also a county commissioner and strong contender for the post, hasn’t made a final decision on the seat, but said Monday that he’ll probably stay put.

Also, Youngstown 4th Ward Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti said she doesn’t want the job.

That leaves Boardman Trustee Robyn Gallitto, Poland Trustee Robert Lidle and Alliance Councilman-at-Large Steve Okey as the only candidates interested in the appointment at this time.

“It’s a tough thing to consider,” said Lisa Antonini, Mahoning County Democratic chairwoman. “It’s a lot of time away from home. Also, being outnumbered in the Senate 21-12, what can you get accomplished?”

Boccieri, D-33rd, of Alliance, is expected to resign from the state Senate sometime next month. Boccieri was elected earlier this month to a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Because Boccieri is a Democrat, the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus makes the final decision on his replacement after receiving recommendations from the Democratic Party chairs in the 33rd District.

Mahoning is the largest county in the district, which also includes all of Carroll County and portions of Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

The Mahoning Democratic Party is accepting letters of interest and r sum s from those interested in the seat. The information should be sent no later than 4 p.m. Nov. 28 to the party at P.O. Box 812, Youngstown 44501-0812.

The party’s executive committee will probably meet Dec. 2 to interview the candidates and send the names of up to three to the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus for consideration.

The caucus’ incoming leadership team will interview the finalists and recommend a candidate to the full caucus. The incoming leadership team includes state Sens. Capri Cafaro, D-32nd, of Liberty, who will be minority leader; and Jason Wilson, D-30th, of Columbiana, who will be assistant minority whip.

Republicans control the Senate 21-12 with Democrats failing to make any gain in the legislative body in the Nov. 4 election.

Too much time away from his family and the Valley are the reasons McNally gave for deciding not going after the appointment.

Money didn’t play a factor in the decision, he said.

Mahoning County commissioners earn about $75,000 annually compared to about $60,000 for state senators.

“Going down there in the minority, you’re at a disadvantage and I’d be at the bottom of the totem pole” in terms of seniority, Traficanti said. “If I put my name in there, I’m sure I’d get it, but what benefit would it be to the area?”

State Rep. Ronald Gerberry, D-59th, of Austintown, was considered the front-runner for the appointment before he decided Nov. 9 to stay in the Ohio House rather than seek the Senate post.

“It may come down to township trustees or city council members,” McNally said.

skolnick@vindy.com