The Valleys' Top 10 Newsmakers of theYear

By DENISE DICK

denise_dick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Three mayors, a school superintendent, a fallen champion and a disfigured man are among the Top 10 newsmakers of 2011.

Vindicator editors and reporters compiled the list.

1.) Y-TOWN MAYORS:

After five years at the city’s helm, Jay Williams resigned his post last August to become executive director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, more commonly referred to as the “auto czar.”

During his tenure, Williams gained national attention for the Youngstown 2010 plan, a land-redevelopment initiative that embraces the city’s dwindling population.

A few high-profile murders also generated national media interest.

Williams’ resignation elevated Charles Sammarone, who had served as council president, to the mayor’s seat in accordance with the city charter.

2.) Kelly Pavlik:

The city native and former middleweight boxing champion ended the year with a charge of operating a vehicle while impaired. He is accused of striking a neighbor’s lamp post while operating an ATV.

Pavlik had earlier announced that he would leave long-time trainer Jack Loew.

His year started fresh out of a stint in the Betty Ford Clinic for alcohol rehabilitation.

In between, Pavlik withdrew last August from a Covelli Centre bout with Darryl Cunningham, citing the purse as too low.

That fight was to be a warmup for his anticipated super middleweight championship clash against Lucian Bute.

3.) Connie Hathorn:

Hathorn, who spent 19 years in the Akron school system, became Youngstown schools superintendent Jan. 1, 2011. Just a few months later, he announced a plan to restructure the school system.

That plan, which took effect this school year, included converting Chaney to a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and visual and performing arts school for students in sixth through 12th grades. East High School, which serves students in 10th through 12th grades, focuses on general education, business and law.

After looking at the district’s data from test scores, he made changes he believed would best serve students, he said.

Also under his leadership, the district improved from academic emergency, the lowest rating on the state report card, to academic watch. The change is attributable to improved attendance.

4.) Bob Rea:

A Columbiana farmer takes the No. 4 spot for his work as president of the Associated Landowners of the Ohio Valley, a nonprofit organization that seeks to educate and protect landowner rights.

ALOV has come to the forefront in recent months as news of potential gas and oil drilling in Ohio and Pennsylvania and the possibility of an accompanying employment boon has circulated.

5.) Doug Franklin:

Last November, Franklin, who served as Warren Mayor Michael O’Brien’s safety-service director for eight years, was elected that city’s first black mayor.

Franklin previously served as council president and councilman before O’Brien tapped him as part of his administration.

6.) Tom Humphries and David Betras:

The months-long battle between the president of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and the chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party ended last July when U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-17th, of Niles announced an agreement between the two.

Humphries’ and Betras’ battle began when Humphries said he supported Senate Bill 5, legislation that sought to limit some collective bargaining rights for public employees.

Ohio voters overwhelmingly decided to repeal the legislation.

7.) Ed Port:

Port, 41, of Austintown, took the newsroom’s No. 7 spot. Port underwent the first of at least three surgeries in June to remove large tumors that obscured much of the left side of his face.

Port, who has Neurofibromatosis Type 2, was shocked that his story made him a top news maker.

“Wow, I really wasn’t expecting that,” he said. “I’m kind of speechless.”

Port traveled to Chicago where renowned plastic surgeon Dr. McKay McKinnon performed the first surgery and most extensive surgery in June and a second in October.

Port expects at least one more surgery to remove all of the tumors and rebuild his features.

8.) Roger and Gloria Jones:

The couple, who founded Fireline Inc., donated $250,000 to a children’s center for science and technology which opened last May on West Federal Street.

The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology, features educational and hands-on exhibits and activities all with a science and technology bent, from engineering and the environment to sound and light and brain power.

9.) Cynthia Anderson:

Youngstown State University’s first woman, Mahoning Valley native and YSU graduate to serve as president ended her first year in the president’s office in the midst of not only a univeristy deficit but protracted negotiations with the faculty union.

The university said it needed concessions to contend with a projected $7 million deficit caused mostly by cuts from the state.

Last August, the faculty union rejected what the university termed its last, best offer and announced its members would strike. They called off that plan later that same night, saying they would instead return to the negotiating table.

A main sticking point in the negotiations was the cost of insurance coverage.

Ultimately, YSU settled with both the YSU-Ohio Education Association, which represents university faculty, and the Association of Classified Employees, which represents classified workers.

The pacts call for faculty and classified employees to pay 10 percent of the health insurance premium the first year, 12 percent the second and 15 percent the final year.

10.) Gov. John Kasich:

Kasich, a Republican, assumed office last January and soon drew criticism for his cuts to local government and schools in the biennial budget.

He angered many unions of public workers by backing Senate Bill 5.

Kasich also is working toward a plan to privatize the Ohio Turnpike against the wishes of state democrats.