Republican candidate withdraws from race against indicted Auditor Sciortino

YOUNGSTOWN

Bill Reese, the Republican nominee for Mahoning County auditor, is withdrawing from the race because of health issues.

It’s the latest turn of events in one of the more peculiar races on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The Democratic nominee is incumbent Michael Sciortino, who is under a 22-count criminal indictment charged with political corruption allegations. A three-member commission of retired judges appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court is deciding whether to suspend Sciortino with pay.

That decision was expected July 24, based on the process in a state law about suspending public officials under indictment, but the decision hasn’t been announced to date.

“We are grateful that Bill is recovering from his unexpected surgery and wish him well for a speedy recovery,” said county Republican Party Chairman Mark Munroe. “Bill’s pending departure from the auditor’s race is a major disappointment. He would have brought a wealth of government and practical business experience to the auditor’s office.”

The county GOP will meet at 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at party headquarters, 621 Boardman-Canfield Road in Boardman, to select a candidate to replace Reese, a former Canfield Township trustee.

Read more on the matter in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com