Hearing goes well for Jay Williams

Hearing goes well for Jay Williams

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A vote by a Senate committee to recommend the full Senate confirm Jay Williams as the head of the Economic Development Administration will have to wait until early next month, but the hearing went well for the former Youngstown mayor.

Before Williams, a Democrat, delivered prepared remarks today to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, two Republican members said he was qualified for the job based on his experience as mayor.

Except for a couple of general yes or no questions asked as a group of Williams and three others seeking the committee’s recommendations for confirmations, there wasn’t a single question directed at the former mayor.

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, the committee’s chairwoman and a Democrat from California, said committee members could submit written questions to the nominees by Jan. 4, presumedly meaning a recommendation won’t be coming until after that.

“I have a great feeling about each and every one of you,” Boxer said as she closed the nearly two-hour meeting.

The EDA leads the federal economic-development agenda by promoting innovation and collaboration and helping communities build the foundation for long-term growth.

Williams resigned Aug. 1, 2011, as Youngstown mayor to work for the President Barack Obama administration.

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