Here's some unsolicited advice for Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti: Whatever you do, don't get out of the car.

The advice is prompted by a comment Traficanti made last week after all three commissioners appointed George J. Tablack to the position of county administrator.

"George is a guy who likes to put his head under the hood, not drive the car in the parade," said Traficanti of the man who will now hold two important positions: administrator and director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Tablack not interested in driving the car? That's like saying that former Youngstown Mayor George M. McKelvey was nowhere to be found election night when the results of the primary were announced because he was on a secret mission for President Bush.

McKelvey got his political behind kicked by Commissioner David Ludt in the contest for the Democratic nomination, and rather than face reporters, he hid. Hence, the moniker "Chicken George."

Tablack, on the other hand, has waited a long time to ascend to the throne. Traficanti's naivetxc3x83xc2xa9 could be the result of his not being involved in county government when Tablack was county auditor.

Who can forget his highhanded treatment of other officeholders? It was during that period that he earned the title "King George."

Therefore, when Traficanti insists that new county administrator isn't interested in calling the shots, he ain't seen nothing yet. In time, Tablack won't only be driving the car in the parade, he'll be leading it.

Commissioners Traficanti, Ludt and John McNally may live to regret last week's coronation.