Mahoning County Democrats endorse in Youngstown, Struthers races

Staff Report

YOUNGSTOWN

Voters will head to the polls in May to determine who will represent the Democratic party in the 2011 general election, and Mahoning County party leaders have determined who will be endorsed by the party in that May election.

The Mahoning County Democratic Party held an endorsement meeting for contested races in Youngstown and Struthers where candidates are seeking the party’s endorsement. Races considered at the Sunday night meeting were the 1st and 4th Wards in Struthers, and the 4th and 5th Wards in Youngstown.

Precinct committee members and executive committee members voted by secret ballot after hearing three-minute speeches from prospective candidates.

This is the second year in a row the Mahoning County Democratic Party is endorsing candidates in the primary. Party Chairman Dave Betras said the party is endorsing candidates for the primary election because it is a part of the party constitution.

“I took an oath. Our constitution says that the party will endorse and I am fulfilling my constitutional obligation,” he said.

Struthers incumbents Robert D. Carcelli III, 4th Ward, and Tony Fire, 1st Ward, won the party’s endorsement by default. Brian J. Pryjma, challenger in the 4th Ward, did not seek the party’s endorsement and Anthony R. Protopapa, challenger in the 1st Ward, did not attend the endorsement meeting Sunday and, therefore, could not be considered.

Committee members in Youngstown’s 5th Ward voted unanimously not to endorse anyone. Candidates in the 5th Ward still offered three-minute speeches, but there was no vote following the candidates words.

Those seeking office in the 5th Ward are: Incumbent Paul Drennen, Kevin E.J. Salata, Anthony J. Catale, Michael R. Rapovy, Moses H. Mahdee, William Dallas, Jerome McNally, and Sylvester Patton.

Committee members in the 4th Ward chose to endorse Incumbent Mike Ray. Precinct committee members from the 4th Ward unanimously selected Ray to fill the seat of Carol Rimedio-Righetti, who was elected to county commissioner.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com