Mahoning Dems seeking judicial candidate

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party has set a 5 p.m. Friday deadline for lawyers interested in the party’s nomination for county common-pleas court in the November general election.

Last week, Atty. Mark Hanni withdrew his candidacy for the position.

Those interested should contact Atty. David Betras, party chairman, by email at dbetras@bhlaws.com or by phone at 330-503-9696.

“I encourage anyone interested in the position to submit their name and begin contacting the members of the [party’s] central committee,” Betras said in an email Monday. “Our process is open and fair, and our only goal is to nominate a highly qualified candidate who will win in November and then serve the people of Mahoning County with distinction and honor in the years ahead.”

Betras said the party’s central committee will meet at St. Luke Church Hall in Boardman on Aug. 9 to select the party’s candidate for the post in the Nov. 4 general election. That candidate will run against the incumbent, Judge Maureen A. Sweeney, a Republican.

At that same meeting, the committee also will choose a candidate to replace Judge James C. Evans of common pleas court, who is retiring.