Sciortino’s jugular is still intact

It was one of the most anticipated (by this writer, at least) endorsement interviews conducted by The Vindicator’s Editorial Board — given the matter at hand: criminal charges against a high-ranking elected official.

Facing the panel of editors and writers was Ralph Meacham, a political newcomer who is offering himself as an honest alternative (albeit, a Republican one) to criminally charged Mahoning County Auditor Michael Sciortino.

Sciortino, along with the mayor of Youngstown, John A. McNally (in his capacity as county commissioner) and Youngstown Atty. Martin Yavorcik, is accused of using his public position to undermine the county’s purchase of the Oakhill Renaissance Place complex.

Prosecutors says the trio did the bidding of Anthony M. Cafaro Sr., who at the time was president of the Cafaro Co., which owned the Garland Plaza on the East Side. The plaza was home for more than two decades to the Mahoning County Job and Family Services agency.

JFS relocation

While McNally, as commissioner, opposed the purchase, his two colleagues at the time, commissioners Anthony Traficanti and David Ludt, voted to buy the former Southside Medical Center — and to relocate the JFS agency from the Garland Plaza.

Among the charges filed by the state against Sciortino, McNally and Yavorcik are bribery and involvement in a criminal conspiracy.

Against that backdrop comes Republican Meacham’s challenge of the county auditor in the November general election.

In political terms, this race is a gift that can keep on giving to a challenger — if he knows what to do with it.

Thus, when Meacham, who is a certified public accountant and whose resume is replete with impressive private sector employment credentials, appeared before Vindicator editors and writers, the anticipation of a verbal blitzkrieg was high.

After all, “politics ain’t beanbag,” as has been said. It’s a blood sport. It’s about going for the jugular. It’s about taking no prisoners.

But rather than come out swinging against Sciortino, Meacham offered a kinder, gentler appraisal of the race.

It’s obvious that whoever is advising him and guiding him has failed to give the political rookie the first lesson of politics: demonize your opponent.

Prior to his appearance before the editorial board, Meacham submitted a Vindicator survey form that had questions such as, “What are the major issues in your race and what are your positions on them?”

Here’s the Republican candidate’s opening gambit: “I am generally opposed to any increases in regressive taxes, such as sales taxes.”

Say, what? The major issue is taxation?

This race features a criminally charged county auditor who spit the hook on a guaranteed driving-under-the-influence charge because a high-ranking member of the county sheriff’s department intervened, stopped the sobriety test and drove him home.

The major issue in this race is Michael Sciortino. It isn’t some esoteric discussion about fiscal policy.

The sooner Mr. Nice Guy realizes that, the sooner he will connect with an electorate that is sick and tired of corrupt politicians.

How should he have answered the question in The Vindicator’s survey?

Going for the jugular

Here’s what this writer was looking for: “The major issue in the race is government corruption personified by the Democratic incumbent, Michael Sciortino. A three-judge review panel appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court has determined that Sciortino should be suspended while his criminal case makes its way through the criminal justice system.”

Why didn’t Meacham jump all over that? Why, indeed?

But it’s not too late.

Sciortino got front-page coverage when he revealed to the editorial board that he had checked into an alcohol rehab facility to deal with his demons. He got all choked up when he was discussing his fall from grace.

Meacham should demand that the auditor make public all the records relating to the rehabilitation. After all, he was gone for about two weeks.

If Sciortino refuses to lay it all on the line, residents will be justified in concluding that he has something to hide and that his teary mea culpa is all an act designed to elicit votes.