Gerberry, O’Brien, O’Brien for state House seats for area

64th District Ohio House

Video Set

The Mahoning Valley historically has been fortunate to have had strong and unified delegations to the Ohio General Assembly, the chief lawmaking body for state government. Many have risen to powerful leadership positions to fight more effectively for policies and dollars that benefit our region.

Responsible voters throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties should continue that tradition of top-caliber representation in the upcoming 2015-16 session of the Ohio House. After reviewing the credentials of candidates for the 59th, 63rd and 64th House seats and after interviewing them in recent weeks, The Vindicator believes Ronald Gerberry, Sean O’Brien and Michael O’Brien can best carry on that tradition in the 131st General Assembly.

Gerberry for 59th

Of all candidates seeking state legislative posts in our region, Gerberry wins hands-down in knowing the ropes of lawmaking in Columbus. He has 27 years of direct experience in the state House and nearly a half-century of public leadership..

It’s not, however, merely Gerberry’s quantity of public service that makes him the best choice; the quality of his service also stands out. For example, he established the right connections to work to change state law to permit construction and opening of the Hollywood Gaming racino in Austintown. He also played a key role in gaining tax-exempt status for the Youngstown-owned Covelli Centre. Gerberry’s also argued passionately for Nitro’s Law, the long-stalled Youngstown-inspired bill that permits cases of animal abuse to be prosecuted as felonies.

In a new term, Gerberry pledges to work to achieve greater transparency and oversight of the state’s troubled charter-schools, ensure more adequate state support for public schools and fight for reinstatement of Local Government Funds, the loss of which has battered communities large and small.

Gerberry faces opposition from political newcomer Paul Mitchell, 26, of Canfield, a Republican who did not attend an interview session with The Vindicator Editorial Board and, therefore, is ineligible for consideration of endorsement.

Sean O’Brien for 63rd

Like Gerberry, 63rd House District Rep. Sean O’Brien merits re-election to the Ohio House based on his experience and record of achievement. The witty and high-energy legislator has worked hard toward jump-starting the economy in his district and state. For example, his bill to provide tax credits to spur development of converted natural gas as an alternative fuel has potential for significant job creation. O’Brien also played key role in bringing new industry, such as the TMK Premium Production factory to Brookfield. In addition, his close ties with leaders of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna give the base a strong and knowledgeable voice in Columbus to help protect it from further downsizing. O’Brien also believes the state’s Rainy Day Fund that totals more than $1.5 billion should be tapped to assist communities with economic development, shale-play expansion and drug treatment.

Challenging O’Brien in this race is Devon Stanley, a Republican, who did not meet with the editorial board and therefore is ineligible for our endorsement.

Michael O’Brien in 64th

Of all of the competitive General Assembly races in the Valley this fall, the 64th District, which includes the city of Warren and much of northern Trumbull County, clearly emerges as the most competitive. That’s because two experienced and polished candidates are vying for the seat.

The Republican, Randy Law, is a familiar face in county and state politics. He aptly served 64th District constituents as their state representative in 2005 and 2006. Law champions expediting economic development, maximizing shale-play opportunities and addressing problems with septic tank systems in the county. Voters would not be ill-served in returning Law to the state lawmaking body.

Nonetheless, in length and breadth of government service and public leadership, O’Brien holds the upper hand. He has served as an effective Trumbull County commissioner, mayor of Warren and Warren councilman and has developed strong working relationships with public officials from throughout Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

He also shares with our other endorsees today similar legislative goals, including strengthening jobs programs, restoring Local Government Funds and working to create a more equitable school-funding system.

Along with Gerberry, Sean O’Brien, Michelle Lepore-Hagan (running unopposed in the 58th State House District based in Youngstown), Michael O’Brien can solidify a cohesive political bloc to project a stronger voice in Columbus for the vital interests of the Mahoning Valley.