Three file to run as independent candidates in the fall

YOUNGSTOWN — Two of the three finalists to fill the vacant Mahoning County Probate Court judicial seat on an interim basis filed nominating petitions today to be on the November ballot for a full six-year term to the position.

Robert Rusu of Canfield and Mary Ann Fabrizi of Berlin Center filed to be independent candidates.

The Mahoning County Republican Party recommended the governor choose between Rusu, Fabrizi and Christopher Sammarone of Canfield to fill the unexpired term of Mark Belinky, a Democrat under criminal investigation by the state, who resigned March 14. The term expires Feb. 8, 2015.

Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, hasn’t made a decision yet on who will replace Belinky.

Sammarone is facing Susan Maruca of Poland in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for the judicial seat.

Today was the deadline for those wanting to run in the general election as independents to file.

The only other person to file as an independent candidate is Eric A. Dunn of Southington for the 64th Ohio House District seat.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com