Mahoning County GOP chairman selected for Ohio State Racing Commission

YOUNGSTOWN — As the newest member of the Ohio State Racing Commission, Mark Munroe of Boardman said he’ll do what he can to assist the proposed relocation of a harness horse-racing track from Toledo to Austintown.

Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, appointed Munroe, the Mahoning County Republican Party chairman, to the five-member commission for a term that started today and ends March 31, 2013.

“I certainly look forward to representing the Mahoning Valley” on the commission, he said. “Economic development is my first interest. The horse industry is an important industry to the state.”

Munroe said he absolutely supports the proposed relocation of Penn National Gaming Inc.’s Raceway Park in Toledo to the 186-acre Centerpointe business park in Austintown.

Penn National will invest $200 million at the new location as long as video slot machines are part of the package.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com