INCUMBENTS SWEEP MAHONING Probate judge, prosecutor retain county hot seats

By Denise Dick

Re-elected Judge Belinky is exploring online filing in probate court.

YOUNGSTOWN — Tuesday was a night of incumbents in Mahoning County races.

Judge Mark Belinky was appointed in November 2007 to the county probate court bench. He handily fended off a challenge Tuesday, from Judge Scott D. Hunter of Mahoning County Court in Canfield, to retain the job.

“We’re trying to have the court control costs as much as we can,” Judge Belinky said.

He’s instituted several programs that he plans to expand in his new term.

A group of 16 lawyers has agreed to represent special needs children once they reach 18. The judge also is exploring online filing, and he has instituted background checks for people appointed as guardians in probate cases.

“We have a lot of work to do,” he said.

With 282 of 288 precincts counted, unofficial election numbers show Judge Belinky with 56 percent to Judge Hunter’s 45 percent.

Paul J. Gains easily defeated Marty Yavorcik, an independent, to secure a fourth term as Mahoning County prosecutor. The unofficial results have Gains with 69 percent and Yavorcik with 31 percent.

Gains said there may be some changes made in his office as he strives to improve operations.

Anthony J. Traficanti, a Democrat, easily won a second term as Mahoning County commissioner, defeating Republican challenger Christopher A. McCarty, 73 percent to 27 percent.

Commissioner John A. McNally was also successful with 66 percent over Republican Lisa S. Lotze’s 20 percent and independent Maggy Lorenzi’s 14 percent, for a second term.

Noralynn Palermo, county recorder, and Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court also won handily.

Palermo, a Democrat, defeated Jeanette M. Garr, a Republican, 71 percent to 29 percent. Judge Sweeney garnered 70 percent to David Gerchack’s 30 percent.