Campaign finance reports heavily favor Youngstown mayor

By David Skolnick

Mayor Williams’ primary opponent spent $70.38 on his campaign.

YOUNGSTOWN — The financial race between the two Democratic candidates for Youngstown mayor is similar to the voting results of last month’s primary — a landslide victory for Mayor Jay Williams.

Campaign finance reports show Williams spent close to $10,000. Frank Bellamy, who put up token opposition at best, spent $70.38 on his campaign.

Williams captured 88.3 percent of the vote during the May 5 primary.

Post-primary campaign reports, for the period between April 16 and June 5, had to be filed with county boards of elections by Friday.

During the post-primary time period, Williams spent $2,754. He spent $6,732 between Jan. 1 and April 15.

His biggest expense on the post-primary report was $566.15 to Craig Gilchrist of Boardman for campaign materials.

Bellamy’s biggest personal expense was $24.38 for paper clips.

He also accepted $25 from Callie Bellamy of Miami, Fla., to pay a required Ohio Ethics Commission fee.

His other expenses were $10 for the use of a car, $10 for copies, and $1 for what is described on his report as “pre-owned copy paper.”

Bellamy couldn’t be reached Friday by The Vindicator to discuss his campaign expenses.

Cecil B. Monroe of Highlawn Avenue filed to run as an independent candidate for mayor.

Because of incorrect information given to Monroe by the Mahoning County Board of Elections, he doesn’t have enough valid signatures on his nominating petitions to remain on the ballot.

The board must meet by July 15 to officially disqualify Monroe as a candidate.

County election officials acknowledge the mistake was their fault, but say state law, supported by the Ohio secretary of state, requires Monroe to be disqualified.

Money didn’t mean much in the race for Struthers councilman at-large, with three to elect.

Daniel R. Yemma, the top vote-getter among at-large candidates in 2007, spent more than $4,300 on his re-election effort, yet he finished third out of four candidates in the May 5 primary.

Councilman at-Large Ronald Mathews, who finished first in last month’s primary, didn’t file a report.

Councilman at-Large Michael S. Patrick, who finished second in the primary, spent $925 on his re-election effort.

Ed Craft, who finished fourth, didn’t file a report by Friday’s deadline.

skolnick@vindy.com

MAHONING COUNTY

YOUNGSTOWN

Mayor

Jay Williams*# (D): Had, $5,293; contributions, $8,320; spent, $2,754; has, $10,859. Major contributors: Thomas D.Y. Fok of Austintown, $1,000; Huntington Bancshares Inc. Political Action Committee of Columbus, $1,000.

STRUTHERS

Council president

Henry Franceschelli Sr.# (D): Had, $385; contributions, $979; spent, $813; has, $551; in-kind, $551.

Council at large

Daniel R. Yemma*# (D): Had, $3100; contributions, $150; spent, $1,706; has, $1,544; loan owed, $2,100; debt owed, $6,253.

COLUMBIANA COUNTY

Columbiana County Republican Party: Political Account: Had, $1,451; contributions, $18,545; spent, $8,126; has, $11,860. Major contributors: Clarence R. Smith, $1,500; Denise Mackall, $1,500; Linda Sebo, $1,500; Lawrence Parker, $1,500; John C. Thompson, $1,500; Jack Hill, $1,570; and Victor Maroscher, $1,720.

Columbiana County Democrat Party: Had, $4,681; contributions, $15,423; other income, $500; spent $12,154; has, $8,450.