Mayoral candidates exchange verbal shots at tonight's debate

YOUNGSTOWN

Three mayoral candidates - John McNally IV, DeMaine Kitchen and John M. Crea - exchanged ideas and took some shots today at a debate.

They discussed issues such as demolition, education and the future of the Covelli Centre during the 90-minute event. Things got a little testy when discussing the various legal and financial issues related to the candidates.

In response to a question about the candidates’ criminal or civil issues, Kitchen discussed McNally’s indictment on charges related to his opposition to Mahoning County’s purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Center when he was a county commissioner. The charges were dismissed in July 2011.

McNally has long maintained his innocence and continued to do so at today’s debate at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Garden, sponsored by the 7th Ward Citizens’ Coalition.

Kitchen’s delinquent tax issues and other financial problems were also discussed at the debate.

“DeMaine has gotten past these issues, but they are still a concern,” McNally said.

Crea was released from the Mahoning County jail today, and participated in the debate.

“I came from county lock-up to here,” he said to laughs.

Crea and Kitchen are independents while McNally is the Democratic candidate. Also in the race is Frank Bellamy, an independent, and two write-ins Cecil Monroe and Claudette Monroe.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com