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Ohio Dems set Sept. 14 deadline for those wanting to replace Gerberry
COLUMBUS
An Ohio House Democratic Caucus screening committee is accepting resumes and letters of interest to replace Ronald V. Gerberry in the 59th District.
Gerberry, an Austintown Democrat, resigned Aug. 21, the same day he was convicted of unlawful compensation of a public official.
State Rep. Jack Cera of Bellaire, D-96th, is chairman of the five-member screening committee. Among the other members is Michele Lepore-Hagan of Youngstown, D-58th.
Those interested should send resumes and cover letters by Sept. 14 to Andy DiPalma, House Democratic chief of staff, 77 S. High St., 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, or by email to andy.dipalma@ohiohouse.gov.
Also, the Mahoning County Democratic Party will meet, likely Sept. 9, to hear from candidates and recommend three to the caucus, said David Betras, party chairman.
“Recommendations and references from interested parties will play an important role in making sure we have the most qualified and capable candidates ready to serve constituents of the 59th,” said Jordan Plottner, House Democratic Caucus spokesman.
The screening committee is expected to begin candidate interviews shortly after the deadline for applications.
The final decision rests with the 33-member House Democratic Caucus.
Among those who already have expressed interest in serving the remainder of Gerberry’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2016, are John Boccieri, a former U.S. House member, Ohio representative and senator; Poland Trustee Robert Lidle; John Landers, a Boardman school board member; Austintown Trustee Jim Davis; former Boardman Trustee Robyn Gallitto; David Green, former head of the United Auto Workers Local 1714 union; and Atty. Tom Lyden.
The district includes a small portion of Austintown as well as all of Beaver, Berlin, Boardman, Canfield, Ellsworth, Goshen, Green, Jackson, Milton, Poland, Smith and Springfield townships; the city of Canfield; the villages of Beloit, Craig Beach, New Middletown, Poland, Sebring and Washingtonville. The only part of the district not in Mahoning County is Alliance in Stark County.
Gerberry, the most-senior House member before his resignation, admitted he hid campaign money from the caucus by giving it to a vendor to make it appear he spent money from his political campaign and then had it returned.
That allowed Gerberry to pay less campaign money to the caucus that is used to help elect Democrats to the House.