Commissioner Righetti is Washington-bound today

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti is traveling to the White House today, having been invited by President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, to a 4 p.m. Women’s History Month observance.

“I’m excited,” said Righetti, who hasn’t been to the White House since her involvement in the Young Democrats during the Carter administration.

“That’s a big thing for women in government and businesswomen. ... I can’t wait to get there to see what it’s all about,” Righetti said Sunday evening.

Righetti said she’ll drive to Washington and pay all the costs of her trip out of her pocket.

Because the invitation came in an email to her office about 10 days ago, Righetti said she checked with U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s office, which authenticated the invitation.

President and Mrs. Obama have attended Women’s History Month events at the White House in previous years, Righetti said.

Righetti said she didn’t know why she was invited, whether any other Youngstown-area residents will attend, how many people have been invited or what the format of the event will be.