Betras supports Joyce Kale-Pesta as Dem party successor

YOUNGSTOWN — David Betras, whose resignation as Mahoning County Democratic Party chairman took effect today, is throwing his support behind Joyce Kale-Pesta as his successor.

Kale-Pesta, the party’s first vice chairwoman/secretary, took over as Democratic leader today on an interim basis under the party’s bylaws.

But Kale-Pesta, who is also the director of the county board of elections, says she wants the party to appoint her when its central committee members meet June 11 to vote for Betras’ replacement.

“I’m endorsing her,” Betras said of Kale-Pesta. “She has the experience, the organizational skills, she wants to do it. It will be a smooth transition.”

The deadline to apply for the position is June 7. To date, no one has applied.