3 file to unseat county auditor

Ex- U.S. Rep. James Traficant won’t run, but others crowd the May primary election.

By David Skolnick

YOUNGSTOWN — There is no shortage of candidates seeking seats in the U.S. House and the state Legislature as well as for Mahoning County commissioner and auditor.

When Mahoning County Auditor Michael Sciortino of Austintown ran for the first time in 2006, he was unopposed in the Democratic primary and the general election.

This time around, he has two challengers in the Democratic primary: ex-Boardman Trustee Kathy Miller and Andrew D’Apolito of Canfield, the retired superintendent of the county’s sanitary engineer’s department.

Also, Republican Tracey Winbush, a radio talk-show host and former Youngstown school board member, filed by Thursday’s deadline to run for the seat. She’ll be unopposed in the Republican primary.

The day before the filing deadline, Sciortino said he was “highly suspicious” about the timing of the special prosecutors’ presentation to a grand jury of evidence related to the county’s purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Place.

Sciortino insists he did nothing illegal by opposing the purchase.

Those involved in the investigation deny Sciortino’s allegation about the timing.

In the 6th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville has only one challenger in the May 4 Democratic primary.

But there are a slew of candidates wanting to take him on in the November general election.

Four Republicans filed by Tuesday’s deadline for that party’s primary race.

There’s even going to be a Libertarian primary with two of that party’s members filing for the seat as well as a Constitution Party candidate.

Because of the filings, the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, a Web site that monitors and reports on congressional elections, moved the race from “solid Democrat” to the more competitive “likely Democrat” rating.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, never had a primary opponent in his three previous re-election bids.

This year he has two Democratic primary challengers.

There also are three Republicans in the 17th Congressional District race.

One of the Republican candidates is named Jim Graham. He’s not the Graham who is president of the United Auto Workers Local 1112 at the Lordstown General Motors complex.

This Jim Graham is a pharmacist from Cortland, who is a first cousin of the union leader’s and is running as a Republican.

The UAW Graham said he is supporting Ryan and had urged his cousin to get out of the race.

When asked if having the name Jim Graham on the ballot could cause voter confusion, the UAW official said, “I would hope not.”

One name not on the list of candidates for the 6th and 17th Districts is ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr.

The former 17-year congressman didn’t file nominating petitions by Tuesday’s deadline to run in the primary.

“If he does want to run, his only option is as an independent,” said Dennis Malloy, Traficant’s communications director.

The deadline to file as an independent is May 3, a day before the primary.

Traficant served seven years in federal prison for bribery, racketeering, tax evasion and obstruction of justice. He was released in September 2009.

Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd, appointed to the state Senate in January 2009, will have one primary opponent, Kathleen Purdy of Alliance.

Also, three Republicans and a Libertarian filed to run in the 33rd Senate District.

Incumbent Ohio House members Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th; Tom Letson of Warren, D-64th; and Mark D. Okey of Carrollton, D-61st, will face primary challengers.

All Ohio House members from the Mahoning Valley seeking re-election this year will face opposition in the general election.

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

Four Democrats and two Republicans filed to succeed Harwood.

Mahoning County Commissioner David Ludt of Poland, who is seeking his fourth and probably final four-year term, will face Youngstown Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti as well as David Comstock Jr. of Poland, Western Reserve Joint Fire District chief.

Republican Don Manning of North Lima is running unopposed in his party’s primary and will face the Democratic Party primary winner.

skolnick@vindy.com

Below are the candidates, levies, issues and options for the May 4 primary election. Thursday was the filing deadline. An (*) denotes the incumbent.

CONGRESS

17TH DISTRICT

Democrats: Tim Ryan*, 1504 Taft Ave., Niles 44446; Dan Moadus, 113 Maple Ave., Girard 44420; Robert Crow, 1854 Fifth Ave., Youngstown 44504.

Republicans: M.E. Henderson, 374 Spring Grove Drive, Tallmadge 44278; Jim Graham, 248 Wae Trail, Cortland 44410; Damian P. DeGenova, 9960 Springfield Road, Poland 44514.

6TH DISTRICT

Democrats: Charlie Wilson, 125 E. Lawn St., St. Clairsville 43950; Jim Renner, 18913 Center St., North Benton 44449.

Republicans: Donald Allen, 76 Lake Shore Drive, Boardman 44511; Sam A. Hepfner Jr., 1001 Cunningham Road, Salem 44460; Richard D. Stobbs, 7231 Colerain-Mount Pleasant Road, Dillonvale 43917; Bill Johnson, 3755 Hunters Hill, Poland 44514.

Libertarians: Corey McCusker, 9895 Sena Lane, Poland 44514; Martin J. Elsass, 170 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Columbiana 44408.

Constitution: Richard E. Cadle, 11975 Blott Road, North Jackson 44451.

14TH DISTRICT

Democrats: Bill O’Neill, 119 Waverly Lane, Chagrin Falls 44022; James H. Greene Jr., 3365 Route 7, Pierpont 44082; Dale V. Blanchard, 32756 Lisa Lane, Solon 44139.

Republican: Steven C. LaTourette*, 7082 Oak St., Bainbridge 44022.

Libertarian: John M. Jelenic, 38751 Lake Shore Blvd. #102, Willoughby 44094.

MAHONING COUNTY

OHIO SENATE

33RD DISTRICT

Democrats: Joe Schiavoni*, 3765 Mercedes Place, Canfield 44406; Kathleen Purdy, 361 Briarcliff Ave. N.E., Alliance 44601.

Republicans: Gary Teeter, 1070 Waynesburg Road, Carrollton 44615; Matthew Merritt Lewis, 11888 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Columbiana 44408; Adam L. Rutushin, 224 W. Wood St., Youngstown 44502.

Libertarian: John K. Fockler Jr., 188 Stadium Drive, Apt. 6, Boardman 44512.

OHIO HOUSE

59TH DISTRICT

Democrat: Ronald V. Gerberry*, 2490 Whispering Pines Drive, Austintown 44406.

Republican: Michael Pestian Sr., 3261 Meanderwood Drive, Canfield 44406.

Libertarian: Patrick Manning, 1500 W. Western Reserve Road, Boardman 44514.

60TH DISTRICT

Democrats: Robert F. Hagan*, 562 Madera Ave., Youngstown 44504; Don L. Hanni III, 3295 Bears Den Road, Youngstown 44511.

Republican: Daniel R. Thimons, 85 Ridgeway St., Struthers 44471.

61ST DISTRICT

Democrats: Mark D. Okey*, 460 Antigua Road S.W., Carrollton 44615; Brian K. Simeone, 2154 Hedgewood Ave., Alliance 44601.

Republican: Michael Foit, 6332 Senlac Road S.E., Amsterdam 43903.

Green: Vaughan W. Stull, 9555 Feed Springs Road, Urichsville 44683.

COMMISSIONER

Democrats: David Ludt*, 48 Massachusetts Ave., Poland 44514; Carol Rimedio-Righetti, 1360 Leyton Drive, Youngstown 44509; David Comstock Jr., 3479 Hummingbird Hill, Poland 44514.

Republican: Don Manning, 11898 South Ave., North Lima 44452.

AUDITOR

Democrats: Michael Sciortino*, 2170 Woodgate St., Austintown 44515; Kathy Miller, 154 Creston Drive, Boardman 44512; Andrew D’Apolito, 5155 Tippecanoe Road, Canfield 44406.

Republican: Tracey Winbush, 137 Greeley Lane, Youngstown 44505.

APPEALS JUDGE, 7TH DISTRICT

Democrat: Gene Donofrio*, 21 Topaz Circle, Canfield 44406.

Republican: None.

COMMON PLEAS JUDGE

Democrat: James C. Evans*, 5320 Revere Run, Canfield 44406.

Republican: None.

JUVENILE COURT JUDGE

Democrat: None.

Republican: Theresa Dellick*, 7936 Spring Lake Lane, Canfield 44406.

33RD DISTRICT

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEEMAN

Democrats: Robert F. Hagan*, 562 Madera Ave., Youngstown 44504; Mark A. Hanni, 3775 Barber Drive, Canfield 44406; Nicholas E. DeCenzo, 135 Southwoods Ave., Boardman 44512.

Republicans: Mark E. Munroe*, 406 Glenwoods Court, Boardman 44512; Dennis Strickler, 370 E. Mohawk Drive, Malvern 44644.

33RD DISTRICT

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEEWOMAN

Democrats: Dorothy McLaughlin*, 369 Maplewood Ave., Struthers 44471; Georgiann DeCenzo, 135 Southwoods Ave., Boardman 44512; Joyce E. Kale-Pesta, 754 Wildwood Drive, Boardman 44512.

Republican: Sarah M. Brown*, 1200 Fernwood Blvd., Alliance 44601.

COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEEMAN

Green: Jim Villani, 4866 Brookwood Road, Boardman 44512; Dennis S. Spisak, 548 Poland Ave., Struthers 44471; Terrance P. Esarco, 344 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown 44507.

LEVIES, ISSUES AND OPTIONS

MAHONING COUNTY: A 0.5-percent sales and use tax for a period of five years to raise about $14 million annually.

BERLIN: A 2-mill, 5-year additional levy for fire services to raise $287,535 annually.

BOARDMAN: A 2.5-mill, 5-year renewal levy for current expenses to raise $2,075,933 annually.

GREEN: A 0.7-mill, 5-year renewal levy for current expenses to raise $42,645 annually.

JACKSON: A 1.75-mill additional levy for a continuing period of time for fire services to raise $149,089 annually.

LOWELLVILLE: An increase in the village income tax from 1.5 percent to 2 percent for capital improvements to raise about $100,000 annually.

POLAND TOWNSHIP: A 2-mill, 5-year replacement levy for current expenses to raise $450,000 annually.

SPRINGFIELD: A 1-mill, 5-year renewal levy for police services to raise $108,643 annually.

SPRINGFIELD: A 1-mill, 5-year renewal levy for fire services to raise $108,643 annually.

AUSTINTOWN SCHOOL: A 2.4-mill, 37-year bond issue to make building improvements to raise $26,682,099, and a 0.5-mill, 23-year additional levy for classroom facilities to raise $304,061 annually.

CAMPBELL SCHOOL: A 12-mill, 5-year renewal levy for emergency requirements to raise $989,711 annually.

SOUTH RANGE SCHOOL: A 3.1-mill, 10-year renewal levy to avoid an operating deficit to raise $558,000 annually.

AUSTINTOWN PRECINCT 1: Permit the Sunday sale of wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at Salsitas, 5495 Clarkins Drive.

BOARDMAN PRECINCT 1: Permit the sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at the proposed Tavern at The Shops, 463 Boardman-Poland Road.

BOARDMAN PRECINCT 1: Permit the Sunday sale of wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at the proposed Tavern at The Shops, 463 Boardman-Poland Road.

BOARDMAN PRECINCT 1: Permit the sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at the proposed 381 Bistro, 381 Boardman-Poland Road.

BOARDMAN PRECINCT 1: Permit the Sunday sale of wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at the proposed 381 Bistro, 381 Boardman-Poland Road.

BOARDMAN PRECINCT 1: Permit the sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at the proposed Boston Grill, 435 Boardman-Poland Road.

BOARDMAN PRECINCT 1: Permit the Sunday sale of wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at the proposed Boston Grill, 435 Boardman-Poland Road.

TRUMBULL COUNTY

COMMISSIONER

Democrats: David C. Cook, 457 Florine Street S.W., Leavittsburg, 44430; Frank Fuda*, 1439 Banyan Lane, Niles, 44446.

Republican: Mark Allen, 4426 Geauga Portage Easterly Road, West Farmington, 44491.

AUDITOR

Democrat: Adrian S. Biviano*, 2637 Black Oak Drive, Niles, 44446.

Republican: None.

COMMON PLEAS JUDGE

Democrat: W. Wyatt McKay*, 200 Terre Hill Drive, Cortland, 44410.

Republican: None.

OHIO HOUSE

64TH DISTRICT

Democrats: Vincent S. Flask, 957 Hazelwood Ave., S.E., Warren, 44484; Tom Letson*, 4061 Tod Ave., N.W., Warren, 44485.

Republican: Albert J.Haberstroh Jr., 2681 Barclay Messerly Road, Southington, 44470.

65TH DISTRICT

Democrats: Michael V. Boccia, 404 Robbins Ave., Niles, 44446; Sean J. O’Brien, P.O. Box 9, Brookfield, 44403; Edward D. Stredney, 503 Lincoln Avenue, Niles, 44446; John D. Williams, 2515 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, 44505.

Republicans: Geno Capone, 321 Hillcrest Ave., Hubbard, 44425; Nicholas A. Hunt, 1915 Youll St., Niles, 44446.

Libertarian: Timothy J. McNeil, no address available.

APPEALS JUDGE, 11TH DISTRICT

Democrat: Neil Wilson, 13574 Leroy Center Road, Leroy, 44077; Thomas R. Wright, 7450 Northview Drive, Brookfield, 44403.

Republicans: Colleen Mary O’Toole*, 6185 Grandridge Point Drive, Concord, 44077; Eugene Lucci, 11535 Monarch Court, Concord, 44077.

32ND DISTRICT

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE MAN

Democrats: Dennis J. Gartland, 206 Maple Drive, Cortland, 44410; Tom Letson*, 4061 Tod Ave, N.W., Warren, 44485.

Republicans: Ron Knight, 115 Nicklaus Dr. N.E., Warren, 44484; Casey O’Brien*, 4672 Lenox New Lyme Road, Jefferson, 44047; William Pikor, 6856 Trumbull Road, Thompson, 44086; Jack Sabo, 6220 Bushnell Road, Conneaut, 444030.

32ND DISTRICT

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE WOMAN

Democrats: Stephanie R. Flask, 957 Hazelwood Ave., S.E., Warren, 44484; Margaret M. Scott, 605 Willard Ave. N.E., Warren, 44483.

Republicans: Kathi Creed*, 2906 Anderson Morris Road, Niles 44446; April Sabo, 6220 Bushnell Road, Conneaut, 44030.

LEVIES, ISSUES AND OPTIONS

BAZETTA TOWNSHIP: Referendum on zoning classification for a 34-acre parcel of land on Bazetta Road near Maffitt’s Meadows from R-1 to R-2.

CHAMPION TOWNSHIP: A 0.5-mill, 5-year renewal levy for police protection to raise $61,062 per year.

GIRARD: A 1.5-mill, 5-year additional levy for garbage disposal to raise $190,574 per year.

HUBBARD PUBLIC LIBRARY: A 1.9-mill, continuous levy for current expenses to raise 404,223 per year.

MCDONALD VILLAGE: A 1.5-mill renewal for current operating expenses to raise $30,533 per year.

NEWTON FALLS JOINT FIRE DISTRICT: A 1-mill renewal to raise $111,966 per year.

TRUMBULL COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS: A 0.75-mill, 5-year renewal levy to provide and maintain senior citizen services or facilities to raise $2,358,526 per year.

VIENNA TOWNSHIP: A 1-mill, 5-year renewal levy for roads and bridges to raise 100,349 per year.

YANKEE LAKE VILLAGE: electric aggregation.

LAKEVIEW SCHOOL: A 3.75-mill additional emergency levy to raise $1,050,000 per year.

LIBERTY SCHOOL: A 7.4-mill renewal emergency levy to raise $1,776,316 per year.

LORDSTOWN SCHOOL: A 2-mill additional levy to raise $212,526 per year.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP: A 2-mill additional levy for permanent improvements to raise $458,144 per year.

MAPLEWOOD SCHOOL: A 5.4-mill, 5-year renewal levy for emergency requirements of the district to raise $508,805 per year.

MATHEWS SCHOOL: A 7.8-mill replacement and decrease levy to raise $1,200,435 per year.

NEWTON FALLS SCHOOL: A 4.6-mill, 5-year levy for emergency requirements of the district to raise 585,011 per year.

WEATHERSFIELD SCHOOLS: A 3.9-mill emergency renewal to raise $418,128 per year.

GIRARD PRECINCT 4B: Permit the Sunday sale of spirituous liquor at Kuzman’s, 1025 S. State Street.

CORTLAND PRECINCT E: Permit the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages be permitted by Cortland Sparkle Market, 169 South High Street.

CORTLAND PRECINCT E: Permit the Sunday sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages at Cortland Sparkle Market, 169 South High Street.

CORTLAND PRECINCT F: Permit the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages at Speedway, 548 South Mecca Street.

CORTLAND PRECINCT F: Permit the Sunday sale of wine and mixed beverages at Speedway, 548 South Mecca Street.

CHAMPION PRECINCT M: Permit the sale of wine and mixed beverages at Klingemier’s Sparkle Market, 5634 Mahoning Ave. N.W.

CHAMPION PRECINCT M: Permit the Sunday sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages at Klingemier’s Sparkle Market, 5634 Mahoning Ave. N.W.

COLUMBIANA COUNTY

OHIO HOUSE

1ST DISTRICT

Democrat: Linda Bolon*, 43 Pueblo Lane, Columbiana, Ohio 44408

Republican: Craig Newbold, 347 E. state Route 14, Columbiana, Ohio, 44408.

COMMON PLEAS JUDGE

Democrat: Melissa Byers-Emmerling, 48645 Calcutta Smith Ferry Road, East Liverpool.

Republican: Scott Washam, 1500 Quaker Lane, Salem, 44460.

AUDITOR

Democrat: None.

Republican: Nancy Gause Milliken*, 2752 Wooddale Drive, Lisbon 44432.

COMMISSIONER

Democrat: Dan Bing*, 307 E. High St., Lisbon 44432.

Republican: Mike Halleck, 2096 Countryside Drive, Salem 44460.

30TH DISTRICT

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEEMAN

Democrat: Craig Brown, 1587 E. Third St., Salem 44460.

Republican: David Johnson, 570 Highland Ave., Salem 44460.

30TH DISTRICT

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEEWOMAN

Democrat: K. Eileen Krupinski, 2713 Cleveland Ave., Steubenville, Ohio 43952.

Republican: Laura D. Groux, 41825 Ashwood Drive, Belmont, Ohio 43718.

LEVIES, ISSUES AND OPTIONS

COLUMBIANA COUNTY: A 1-percent, 5-year renewal of a sales and use tax to raise $8 million annually.

COLUMBIANA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: A 0.20-mill, 10-year renewal for a cancer detection clinic to raise $192,000 annually.

COLUMBIANA CITY: A 2-mill, 5-year additional levy for fire protection to raise $269,000 annually.

EAST PALESTINE: A 5-mill, 5-year additional levy for road and bridge maintenance to raise $325,000 annually.

LEETONIA SCHOOLS: An 8.8-mill, 4-year additional levy to avoid a deficit to raise $578,000 annually.

SALEM: A 1.25–mill, additional continuing levy for the Salem Public Library to raise $366,800 annually.

SALEM: A 1-mill, 5-year mill levy renewal for the parks and recreation department to raise $185,400 annually.

SALEM CITY: Shall the city have the authority to aggregate the retail electric loads except where any person opts out.

SALEM SCHOOLS: A 6.7-mill, 5-year emergency renewal to raise $2.1 million annually.

ELKRUN: A 1-mill, 5-year fire protection levy to raise $35,700 annually.

PERRY: A 1.5 -mill, 5-year police levy renewal to raise $75,000 annually.

ROGERS: A 1-mill, 5-year renewal of a fire levy to raise $2,300 annually.

NEW WATERFORD: Shall the village have the authority to aggregate the retail electric loads except where any person opts out?

BUTLER: Shall the township have the authority to aggregate the retail electric loads except where any person opts out?

CENTER: Shall the township have the authority to the aggregate the retail electric loads except where any person opts out?

ELKRUN: Shall the township have the authority to aggregate the retail electric loads except where any person opts out?

SALEM: Shall the township have the authority to aggregate the retail electric loads except where any person opts out?

MIDDLETON: Shall the township have the authority to aggregate the retail electric loads except where any person opts out?

Source: County election boards