Candidates in Mahoning Valley release campaign-finance information

By DAVID SKOLNICK

skolnick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti said she worked hard to raise money for her bid to win the Democratic primary for Mahoning County commissioner.

From Jan. 1 to April 14, she raised $34,162, according to campaign-finance reports submitted Thursday to the county board of elections.

Incumbent Commissioner David Ludt, a Democrat from Poland, raised $35,000 for his re-election bid during the same time frame.

Unlike Rimedio-Righetti, Ludt didn’t raise any money from outside sources.

All $35,000 came from a loan he gave his campaign.

And Ludt said he’s willing to spend $100,000 of his own money to win the May 4 primary and be re-elected to his fourth term in the November general election.

Ludt said he didn’t ask anyone for contributions and didn’t receive any between Jan. 1 and April 14.

Ludt had his first fund-raising event for this campaign Wednesday.

Though the numbers aren’t finalized, Ludt said he probably netted about $5,000 for his campaign after expenses for the event.

Rimedio-Righetti’s major contributors were: $5,000 from the Sheet Metal Workers Committee on Political Education Fund of Youngstown; $3,000 from businessman Bruce Zoldan and his wife, Rori; and $2,000 from county Democratic Party Chairman David Betras, an attorney.

Rimedio-Righetti conducted another fundraiser Sunday.

Rimedio-Righetti also raised $7,320 in 2009 for this campaign, while Ludt raised nothing.

In the county auditor’s Democratic primary, incumbent Michael Sciortino of Austintown raised $27,475 from Jan. 1 to April 14. He also received $21,590 in the second half of last year.

Andrew D’Apolito of Canfield, who’s challenging Sciortino in the Democratic primary, raised $5,005, including $1,000 he lent, for his campaign.

The only open seat in the state Legislature representing the Mahoning Valley is the 65th Ohio House District. Incumbent Sandra Stabile Harwood, a Niles Democrat, cannot seek re-election because of the state’s term-limits law.

Among the four Democrats seeking to replace her, J.D. Williams of Liberty has raised the most money. He raised $29,435 between Jan. 1 and April 14. He also raised $48,328 last year for this race.

Read the full story with information on campaign finances for candidates throughout Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.