Rusu appointed to replace Belinky; applicants can apply for Evans' seat

YOUNGSTOWN

Gov. John Kasich selected Robert Rusu as Mahoning County Probate Court judge, and will have the names of finalists to replace outgoing Judge James C. Evans of county common pleas court by mid-July.

Kasich, a Republican, appointed Rusu to the vacant probate judge seat Tuesday. Rusu, of Canfield, an attorney for 21 years, will start his new job July 8.

Rusu, an independent, was among three finalists recommended to Kasich, a Republican, by the Mahoning County Republican Party to fill the vacancy.

“I’ve always had the hope of being the probate judge, and [Tuesday] my dream came true,” said Rusu, who’s seeking elected office for the first time.

Rusu will serve the unexpired term of Mark Belinky, a Democrat, who resigned March 14 while under criminal investigation. He was found guilty May 8 of a felony count of tampering with records. Belinky’s term expires Feb. 8, 2015.

The court has “taken some criticism and black eyes,” Rusu said. “I want to restore confidence in the court.”

Rusu and Mary Ann Fabrizi of Berlin Center are running in the November general election as independents, while Susan Maruca of Poland is the Democratic nominee.

The county Republican Party recommended Rusu, Fabrizi and Sammarone to Kasich for the appointment. Maruca interviewed for the appointment but wasn’t among the finalists recommended to Kasich. She’s said that decision was politically motivated.

Read more about the appointments in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.