For Mahoning County auditor: We withhold our endorsement

It will come as no surprise to Ma- honing County Auditor Michael Sciortino that we are not endorsing him for another term in next month’s general election, even though we find him well qualified, compared to his two opponents, and even though we believe he has accomplished much since he took office in September 2005.

We aren’t endorsing him because he is under indictment for criminal wrongdoing in connection with the performance of his public duties.

When we gave the incumbent our backing in the May Democratic primary, we included the following proviso in the editorial: “We will withdraw our support of Sciortino if he is indicted.” We do that now.

We also said then that we hoped an individual with legitimate qualifications to serve as county auditor, such as a certified public accountant, would file petitions to run as an independent. We did so knowing that the Republican nominee for auditor, Tracey Winbush, lacks the qualifications to oversee a key government office.

Well, there is an independent candidate in the race, but like Winbush, Joseph Markovitch has no background in or knowledge of government financing. These aren’t the good old days when such public positions were filled by Democratic Party hacks or individuals with connections to self-styled political kingmakers or businessmen with deep pockets.

That changed when George Tablack, a certified public accountant, was elected and introduced a level of professionalism and expertise that had not existed before.

Sciortino, who is not a CPA but does have a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics, a master’s degree in public administration and a law degree, did not need on-the-job training. Prior to taking over as auditor, he was director of the Mahoning County Board of Elections, where he gained insight into Mahoning County’s finances and the budgeting process.

If only he had resigned after the indictment was issued, as we advised him to do. The Democratic Party could have appointed someone with specific qualifications to fill the vacancy. Because he did not, voters are now faced with the prospect of supporting an officeholder who may end up being convicted of serious criminal charges, or of voting for either Winbush or Markovitch, neither of whom inspires confidence.

The auditor insists that he is innocent of the charges and wants his day in court. He has a right to a fair trial. But, the taxpayers of Mahoning County also have a right to an elected official who does not have a cloud hanging over his head.

That said, residents should expect their officeholders to have more than a cursory understanding of the positions they fill,

On-the-job training

Winbush, who does not have a college degree, brings nothing to the table — other than her insistence that she will be able to learn all the aspects of the auditor’s office and will hire the professional staff needed to do the heavy lifting. That is not acceptable. She is a radio talk show host and owner of a company called T-Win Media Group.

Markovitch, who has a business degree from Adrian College in Adrian, Mich., contends he will use his experience as an administrator to run the auditor’s office and will surround himself with good, qualified people.

What is surprising about Markovitch is his cavalier attitude toward the position. He told The Vindicator’s editorial board that he sees no benefit to the auditor being a CPA or having an accounting degree. Asked about the differences between business finances and government finances, he gave an answer that suggested a lack of understanding of what the job of auditor entails.

The Republican Party, which has long criticized the predominance of Democrats in Mahoning County, had the opportunity to field a candidate with solid credentials. It failed to do, and thus has given up the right to criticize.

As we said at the outset, Sciortino will not be surprised by our refusal to endorse him. Why? Because we have made it clear on numerous occasions that an elected official who has been indicted for criminal wrongdoing should resign.

THE Indictment

Sciortino is one of seven individuals named in a 41-page indictment related to the so-called Oakhill scandal. The others are county Commissioner John A. McNally IV, former county Treasurer John Reardon, former Job and Family Services Director John Zachariah, Anthony M. Cafaro and Flora Cafaro, part-owners of the Cafaro Co., and Atty. Martin Yavorcik. Three Cafaro companies are also named.

Sciortino et al are accused of conspiring to undermine the county’s purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Place, the former South Side Medical Center.

The Vindicator doesn’t often shy away from endorsing, but in this case, we find ourselves unable to support any of the candidates.