Are Dems in a quandary over primary for Struthers mayor?

We would have much preferred to print an affirmative headline, such as, “Democrats in a quandary over primary for Struthers mayor,” but it would not be accurate.

Indeed, residents of this Democratic stronghold have shown a willingness to let bygones be bygones.

Case in point: The two candidates in the May 5 mayoral primary have been elected by the people to other offices — despite the fact that they have criminal backgrounds.

It should, therefore, come as no surprise that Ronald Carcelli and Danny Thomas Jr. would be brazen enough to seek the top elected position in the city.

Carcelli serves on the Struthers Board of Education, while Thomas is a former city councilman.

From our vantage point, a criminal record is and always will be a criminal record — even if there is no official court document to shed light on the crime that was committed.

It’s unfortunate that the Democratic primary did not inspire residents without political blemishes to seek the party nomination. If the political history of this region holds true, the winner of the primary will go on to win the November general election.

Thus far, there is one independent candidate, John P. Sveda, a former councilman and safety- service director. The filing deadline for independents is May 4, a day before the primary, which means there could be others.

If there are other independents in the race, however, Sveda’s chances of defeating the Democratic nominee would become even more of a challenge. There’s no Republican running.

So, it behooves him to make sure the general election is a two-person contest, featuring him and one of the two Democrats with the criminal backgrounds.

It should be clear by now, that The Vindicator has no intention of making an endorsement in the Democratic primary. To do so would be to ignore Carcelli’s and Thomas’ past. That we cannot do.

Here’s why: Carcelli was convicted of a misdemeanor count of having an unlawful interest in a public contract. He was ordered to pay $5,000 restitution to the city and a $1,000 fine. He was indicted on felony charges of theft in office, bribery and theft related his job with the city of Struthers.

The city’s street foreman received a six-month suspended jail sentence, in addition to having to pay the restitution and fine.

Carcelli’s record was sealed by a Mahoning County judge in 2012.

Thomas was convicted in 1987 by a federal judge of illegal use of a communication facility (a telephone) to distribute cocaine.

Thomas’ record was sealed by a common pleas judge in 1998. He then received a presidential pardon from Bill Clinton, a Democrat who enjoyed strong support in the Mahoning Valley when he ran for election and re-election.

Thomas is active in party politics and has worked in local, state and national races.

While we have painted both candidates for mayor of Struthers with the same brush, we must acknowledge Thomas’ willingness to meet with The Vindicator’s editorial board and answer all the questions put to him, including those related to his criminal record.

Public admission

He made it clear that he does not hide from his drug dealing days — even though there is no court record of his crime — and often opens his campaign speeches by admitting his past.

While we appreciate such honesty, we can’t ignore the fact that he did have his record sealed and received a presidential pardon.

By contrast, Carcelli decided not to come in for an interview with The Vindicator.

In the end, we see Democratic voters in Struthers as having to choose between the lesser of two evils. That isn’t how elections should be conducted.

We can only hope the turnout on May 5 is so dismal that the candidates get the message.