Boccieri’s tenure in Senate sets bar high for successor

As Democrats in the Ohio Senate prepare to fill the 33rd District seat being vacated by John Boccieri, the issue of electability in 2010 will no doubt receive a great deal of attention in the discussions.

But, residents of the district, which is dominated by Mahoning County, deserve more than someone who has strong political credentials. We would hope that knowledge of the area, an understanding of constituents’ needs and the ability to clearly articulate a vision would be just as important in the evaluation process.

In trying to come up with a job description, we reviewed the many news stories having to do with Boccieri’s nearly two years in the Senate. What we found is someone committed to public service — being a major in the Air Force Reserves certainly burnishes his reputation — and willing to fight for this region.

There also were some ideas that he broached which demonstrated his willingness to think outside the box. Earlier this year, for instance, Boccieri urged local officials to create a transportation district that would include rail, highway and aerospace assets in an effort to combine resources.

Given that he is on his way to Washington as the 16th District congressman — he will be representing all of Stark and Wayne counties and portions of Medina and Ashland counties — and given his relationship with area congressmen Tim Ryan and Charlie Wilson, his intermodal transportation idea can still be pursued.

His successor in the Ohio Senate should have the ability to envision what Boccieri is talking about.

Higher education

Then there is the future of higher education in the Mahoning Valley. Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Chancellor of Higher Education Eric Fingerhut have proposed the creation of a community college for the region and have challenged Youngstown State University to identify areas of academic study that will set the institution apart from all the other four-year state universities and colleges.

Boccieri worked closely with other members of the legislative delegation and with YSU officials to ensure that the Valley was not being shortchanged.

Speaking of education, there is still the issue of funding for primary and secondary education that the Republican controlled General Assembly has failed to address.

Next year, Senate Democrats will undoubtedly work closely with the Democratic controlled House and Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland to develop an education reform package.

The 33rd District senator will have the chance to be heard.

Although Democrats are in the minority in the Senate — Republicans have a 21-12 advantage — Boccieri showed that there are ways of getting things done.

Whoever replaces him will enjoy the advantage of having Capri Cafaro as the Senate minority leader. But Cafaro, whose 32nd District includes Trumbull County, has made it clear she is looking for someone who isn’t just electable, but would be a dedicated legislator and be committed to serving the constituents of the area.

The 33rd District has some challenges that are unique. For instance, the largest city is Youngstown, which is struggling to overcome such systemic problems as the loss of population, a relatively high crime rate and deteriorating neighborhoods.

Boccieri once proposed urban renewal legislation that would include provisions to hire hundreds of new officers in Ohio’s highest-crime cities. It’s an idea worth pursuing.