Betras again targets chamber leader

Dem chairman cites drive to repeal SB 5

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Democratic Chairman David Betras on Friday once again called for the resignation of Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber President and CEO Tom Humphries.

Citing the approximately 65,000 Senate Bill 5 repeal petition signatures delivered to Columbus from Mahoning and Trumbull counties Wednesday, Betras said Humphries has overstayed his welcome as the leader of the chamber.

SB 5 curbs some collective-bargaining rights for public employees. Approximately 1.3 million statewide signatures were delivered Wednesday.

Betras, in an email to the media, fired at Humphries, who publicly has supported SB 5 throughout its short lifespan.

“By signing the SB 5 repeal petitions in mass numbers, the people of the Mahoning Valley were also telling Tom Humphries that his time is up,” Betras wrote.

“Should Mr. Humphries fail to get the hint and choose not to resign, maybe he will finally get it in November, when the people of Mahoning and Trumbull counties will head to the ballot box to help repeal SB 5, the anti-police officer, anti-firefighter, anti- teacher, anti-worker, anti-collective bargaining, and anti-human-rights piece of legislation that Mr. Humphries loves so much.”

Humphries has continually said he will not step down, citing economic progress under his leadership.

Betras also called out the chamber’s board and called it “henpecked, handpicked” by Humphries.