Many Valley incumbents to seek re-election

By David Skolnick | November 19, 2011 at 12:02a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Though results of the Nov. 8 general election aren’t official, only 21/2 weeks remain until the filing deadline for the March 6, 2012, primary.

Candidates, mostly incumbents, already have filed nominating petitions with county boards of elections before the Dec. 7 filing deadline.

In Trumbull County, these incumbent Democrats turned in nominating petitions: county Clerk of Courts Karen Infante Allen, Coroner Humphrey D. Germaniuk, Sheriff Thomas L. Altiere, Prosecutor Dennis Watkins, Domestic/Juvenile Division Judge Pamela A. Rintala, and the county’s two state representatives: Tom Letson in the new 64th and Sean J. O’Brien in the new 65th Ohio House districts.

All other incumbents in Trumbull County up for re-election next year are expected to seek a new term.

In Mahoning County, two incumbents aren’t running for re-election in 2012. Sheriff Randall Wellington, in the position since 1999, is retiring at the end of next year. Three candidates so far seek to replace him.

Commissioner John McNally IV won’t seek re-election next year after two four-year terms. Several candidates are expected to run.

But as of Friday, the only candidates filing nominating petitions in Mahoning County were Recorder Noralynn Palermo, Common Pleas Court Judge Lou D’Apolito, Jerry Greene for sheriff, and Patrick T. Ginnetti for engineer. All are Democrats. Ginnetti will challenge Engineer Richard A. Marsico in the primary.

In Columbiana County, two incumbent Republicans — Commissioner Jim Hoppel and Sheriff Ray Stone — have filed for re-election.

There will be some changes among incumbent Democrats in next year’s election.

Commissioner Penny Traina is resigning Dec. 1 to take a new job in the private sector, and Treasurer Nick Barborak won’t seek re-election.

Democratic Party precinct committee members will meet shortly to select someone to fill Traina’s unexpired term, said party Chairman Dennis Johnson. The person selected would also be the candidate supported by the party for a full four-year term, he said.

Also, Barborak, serving his first term as treasurer, will file petitions to challenge state Rep. Craig Newbold, a Republican, for the county’s Ohio House seat, said Johnson, who is backing Barborak’s bid.