Democrats elect new Struthers treasurer

By William K. Alcorn

Rhoads received six votes. The other candidates each received four votes.

STRUTHERS — Matthew Rhoads, the new city treasurer, expects to take office by Aug. 1.

Rhoads, 50, was elected Thursday by city Democratic Party precinct committeemen to fill the unexpired term of Constance Shaffer, who resigned as of July 1. Shaffer’s term expires Dec. 31, 2009.

Rhoads, however, said it is his intention to run for the treasurer’s job in the party primary next spring. The part-time position pays $10,000 a year, he said.

He was elected during a “brief, friendly” meeting that began at 5:30 p.m., said Lisa Antonini, Mahoning County treasurer and chairwoman of the county Democratic Party.

Rhoads, one of three candidates for the position, received six votes. The other candidates, Mark A. Sandine and William Minchin, both received four votes, Antonini said.

Rhoads, of 55 Schenley Ave., is a former member of the Struthers Board of Education. He has been an accountant for 30 years and is plant accountant for Parker Hannifin’s Gear Pump Division. Previously, he was an accountant with Commercial Intertech for 23 years.

He said he will go “strictly by the book and do my best to safeguard the assets of the city on behalf of its citizens.”

Rhoads and his wife, Susan, employed by Struthers schools, have four children.

alcorn@vindy.com