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Mayoral campaign lacks size and zest of ’05 drive
Mayoral reflections
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Mayor Jay Williams reflects on the past four years and what he would like to accomplish if given another four year term.
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Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams
YOUNGSTOWN — The May 5 Democratic primary for Youngstown mayor pitting Jay Williams, the incumbent, against a little-known candidate is more subdued and quiet compared to the race four years ago.
In the 2005 primary, then-state Sen. Robert F. Hagan emerged as the winner in a seven-man race that also included an Ohio House member, the police chief, the council president and a former council president.
About $250,000 was spent by the candidates in the 2005 primary. Williams has spent less than $7,000 on this race. His opponent hasn’t filed a campaign finance report yet.
Hagan went on to lose the 2005 general election to Williams, who won as an independent in a six-person race.
This time, Williams, 38, is running as a Democrat. Because of the city’s term limits law, if elected, Williams can’t run again in 2013.
Williams’ opponent in the May 5 primary is Frank Bellamy, 56, a self-employed political consultant.
The Republican Party isn’t fielding a candidate for mayor. The deadline to file as an independent candidate is May 4.
“I had expected more opposition than I received,” Williams said.
If re-elected, Williams said he plans to continue focusing on safety, economic development and improving the city’s neighborhoods.
Though statistics show a decline in major crimes in the city, Williams said the police department will be restructured to get more officers patrolling neighborhoods.
The best way for the Mahoning Valley’s economy to improve is through regional cooperation, Williams said.
Williams unsuccessfully tried to persuade surrounding communities to create joint economic development districts. He said he still believes in the plan and that it would be beneficial to all parties. But it won’t work unless all involved support the effort, Williams said.
The mayor also said that the Youngstown 2010 property development plan, which he was instrumental in creating, has received positive attention in the national media.
“The changing perception people have of the city through Youngstown 2010 is a big success” in the “way we are perceived,” he said.
Bellamy has rejected numerous requests from The Vindicator to discuss his candidacy. He did complete a questionnaire sent to him by the newspaper.
His responses, written in the third person, call for free city water for 10 years and increased police patrols for suburban families moving to vacant homes on the city’s South Side.
He doesn’t explain how those programs would be funded.
skolnick@vindy.com