2 relative political newcomers vie for Trumbull commissioner post

WARREN

Possibly the most competitive race in Trumbull County this election is between two men trying to be elected to political office for the first time for one of the most important positions in county government.

Mauro Cantalamessa, a Democrat, and J.D. Williams, a Republican, are squared off Nov. 4 to fill the last two years of the term of Paul Heltzel, who died June 30, part way through the second year of his third four-year term.

Heltzel, 69, an attorney, was widely praised for intellect, business and legal acumen, local knowledge as a lifelong area resident and even his sense of humor.

Cantalamessa and Williams, conversely, are experienced in their career fields — Cantalamessa in running Enzo’s Restaurant in Warren and Williams in serving many years in the military and flying commercial aircraft — but neither has practically any government experience.

Both ran for office once before — Cantalamessa in 2006 as one of six Democrats trying to fill a vacant commissioner seat, and Williams in 2010 trying to win election to the seat in the Ohio House of Representatives won by Sean O’Brien.

Cantalamessa, whose brother Enzo is Warren safety-service director, was appointed by Trumbull County Democrats to fill Heltzel’s position until the election, so he has the advantage of a couple months in office.

Read more about the race in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.