Herman “Pete” Starks, 80, dies

YOUNGSTOWN — Herman “Pete” Starks, a former 11-term Youngstown councilman and a local political icon, has died.

Starks, 80, died Sunday.

“He was a legend in politics in the Mahoning Valley,” said Councilman DeMaine Kitchen, D-2nd, who represents the same ward on the city’s East Side that Starks did for 22 years.

Liberty Township Administrator Patrick Ungaro, who served on council with Starks, called him “a dominant person in government.”

Ungaro defeated Starks for Youngstown mayor in 1985, ending the latter’s political career.

But just because Starks, the longtime chairman of council’s powerful finance committee, was out of office, he was still very active in city politics.

“He was never shy about offering his advice and perspective,” said Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com