Traficanti, McNally serve Mahoning County well; they’ve earned retention

Just as we did in the March Democratic primary, we endorse Mahoning County commissioners Anthony Traficanti and John A. McNally IV, this time for re-election on Nov. 4.

But we say now what we didn’t say then: McNally needs to demonstrate true leadership and persuade his allies in the Oakhill Renaissance Place battle to let go.

Mahoning County owns the former South Side Medical Center complex, there are public agencies housed in it, and others will be moving in shortly.

The relocation of the Job and Family Services agency from its mold-infested quarters in the Garland Plaza was a demonstration of leadership on the part of Traficanti and Commissioner David Ludt.

McNally contends that he was not opposed to moving JFS out of Garland, but disagreed with county government’s buying Oakhill Renaissance.

But now that the deal is done, the commissioner insists he is not involved in any conspiracy to undermine the project.

Given the public’s perception that he gets his marching orders from Anthony Cafaro, chief executive officer of the Cafaro Co., which owns Garland Plaza, McNally must prove what he told The Vindicator’s editorial board:

“I absolutely refuse, as an elected official, to look at my colleagues and say, ‘Guys, this is your problem.’ I categorically reject the notion that I will sit there and wipe my hands off it. I serve on the building commission. I have not done that.”

McNally should impress upon county Auditor Michael Sciortino and Treasurer Lisa Antonini that it’s time to move on.

An Ohio Ethics Commission investigation into the activities of county officials during the court fights surrounding the Oakhill Renaissance purchase will clear up a lot of misinformation.

Until then, we expect those in government to do the people’s work — and to stop the ridiculous bickering.

On Nov. 4, Traficanti, who has impressed us with his commitment to public service, his vision and his determination to give the taxpayers the best value for their dollars, is challenged by Republican Christopher McCarty.

McCarty did not respond to an editorial board invitation and, therefore, does not qualify for our support.

Jail operations

We are confident that Traficanti, who is president of the board of commissioners, will continue to work with the sheriff’s department and the city of Youngstown to maintain the current staffing levels at the jail — they were set by a federal judge — and will push for the consolidation of the 911 telephone emergency system.

He also is well positioned to deal with the budget challenges that are surfacing.

“Belt-tightening is coming,” he told The Vindicator.

McNally has two challengers in the general election, Republican Lisa S. Lotze and Maggie Lorenzi, who is running as an independent.

Lotze is a political newcomer who believes county government is being ill-served by the Oakhill Renaissance squabbling.

While she is right in her contention that having a Republican on the board of commissioners would be of benefit, her lack of government experience puts her at a disadvantage.

Lorenzi, on the other hand, is a well-known community activist and government watchdog. She has studied the budget and is familiar with the inner workings of commissioners’ office.

Lorenzi insists that McNally’s behavior during the Oakhill purchase, especially his ties to the Cafaro Co., was an egregious violation of the rules governing the behavior of officeholders.

While we agree that his contacts with a company suing the county was troubling, the commissioner has not been shown to have done anything illegal.

Lorenzi does give county voters a credible alternative to the incumbent, but we believe McNally deserves the benefit of the doubt.

We will hold him to his word.

Proposed charter

McNally has also taken the lead in pushing for a charter form of government, which would result in a county executive being responsible for the day-to-day operation of government.

This newspaper has long advocated a change in the current setup and is eager for public discussions on a charter.

The commissioner has also been in the forefront of the plan to consolidate the 911 system.

We endorse Traficanti with no apprehension and give our support to McNally in the belief that he will put the interest of the taxpayers before any personal agendas. Both incumbents are completing their first four-year terms.