The budget INCREASE alone being asked for by the Prosecutor is greater then the annual budget of most county departments: Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, Board of Elections, Domestic Relations Court, Probate Court, Coroner, 911, Microfilm, Planning Commission, Data Processing, Law Library,Building Department, Soldiers Relief, Veterans Services
The Sheriff doesn't have enough money, other county departments have layed off people, there is no money to maintain the Courthouse, we are in a deep recession, the list goes on and on.
When people don't have jobs and are struggling to get by, this is really crazy.The fact that George Tablack seems to be entertaining this is also insanity.I wonder what kind of budgets the other officeholders are going to offer.
The trough feeders and the Vindicator always dismiss candidates who have a vision and strongly held beliefs. Kasich beleives in smaller government, less taxes and a balanced budget.
Can he achieve his goals? No one knows for sure. But I would rather have a candidate who at least has principles and a vision then someone who only cares about himself.
Harry Reid became a millionaire after he became a senator. We know what his goals were. What is the vision of Anthony Traficanti for Mahoning County. Or Ronald Gerberry, or Jay Williams.
The problem with thia area is that we are hamstrung by unqualified public officials. People who couldn't make much of a living without politics. Same for the state level and federal level.
And the strange thing is the Vindicator endorses these people and promotes them. You would think that a more prosperous Youngstown would help the Vindicator's bottom line. But instead they keep pushing candidates who have failed to lead time and time again. Odd.
The newspaper is always so negative which does not help the image of our community.
Rather then focus on the fact that Trafcant finished third behind an unknown republican DeSouza goes on and on about the number of votes Traficant got. His obsession with a now insignificant political figure does not help our image. The public has moverd on. So should DeSouza.
As far as Sciortino is concerned he has not been found guilty of anything. This still is America, even if it is Youngstown.
Maybe the public sees Oak Hill as a political fight instead of a criminal matter. Maybe they stand with Sciortino on the wasteful spending at Oak Hill. Maybe there were no serious alternative candidates. Maybe the public believes in the constitution that you are innocent until proven guilty.
davidjohn and Author50 represent the growing number of people on this web site that see what the newspaper is about. It is not about improving the valley but attempting to secure the newspaper's financial future.
There is no way as Author50 points out that this newspaper should be constantly endorsing incumbents who have done nothing for our area other than collect a paycheck and vote the way labor tells them rather than what is best for the area..
I have little problems with unions. I used to belong to one that functioned pretty well. But the unions around here block new companies from coming into the area.Those areas of the country that grew in the 80's, 90's and through 2007 are right to work states.
There is no reason this area should be so stagnant. We have a skilled work force, great location and importantly lots of water. But we desperately need jobs. No jobs, no middle class. This results in the crime ridden neighborhoods of Youngstown which is spilling into the suburbs.
Maybe it is too late. But the last thing the newspaper should do is endorse anti-growth politicans who only protect ther own selfish interests. The article on fundraising was enlightening. Gerberry 's comments were unbeleiveable. While calling the amounts of money flowing into campaigns obscene, he could not see that he was the recipient of the same. He could not see he benefited from the obscenity.
The republicans normally do not have a chance around here. But if there is a decent candidate the newspaper ought to endorse them once in a while even if the chances of success are slim. It would send a message and hopefully start to change the culture here.
Instead they use Traficant as a side show. Give no consideration to nonincumbents and push for the status quo. It has not helped us in the past. What good will it do us now.
There is no evidence that Humphries used Chamber resources to support soon to be governor Kasich. He is allowed on his personal time to engage in political activity just like any other Anerican. Apparently everywhere except the Mahoning Valley, the area time forgot.
This is an old Democratic style of attack. Like accusing the US Chamber of using foreign money to affect the outcome of US elections. Even the very liberal NY Times stated that there was no evidence of this. Yet Axelrod told a disbeleiving Bob Schieffer, a liberal himself, do you have any proof that they aren't using foreign money. This is McCarthy like and should be condemned by all liberals as well as conservatives.
Hagan, Betras, Zoldan. That is a trio of highly respected individuals, right. No one will follow their lead. Thank God.
This story should have more legs. The paper obviously is covering for the Clerk of Courts by making it a puff piece and not prominently displaying it on this web site so people don't comment.
I wonder what public official or officials actually work in the courthouse on the weekend. I am not sure if I know all who work in the courthouse. But here goes. The treasurer, the auditor, the prosecutor, the recorder. the common pleas judges and the domestoc judge and probate judge.
Here are real poll questions unlike the Traficant one:
It is odd how hysterical this paper is to retain Tablack. Like there are no other people in this area who can be a budget director for the county. At a much lower salary I might add. Tablack is only indispensible to the three cmmissioners who are clueless. But he intentionally divides our community with his bullying tactics.
I agree with Author that Righetti was openly against OakHill. That was a reason I voted for her. And during the presidential election I voted at the Board of Elections. How will OakHill handle the hundreds of people.There is not enough parking. And it is an unsafe neighborhood. It is never too late to say we made a mistake and stop the bleeding. Look at what Christie did in New Jersey. Stopped that tunnel project and said enough is enough.
I also agree with David that this argument Oak Hill is downtown or near downtown is nonsense. Those workers are prisoners up there, afraid to leave the building until it is quitting time. And the employees say the building is full of mold, asbestos and vermin.
Traficanti and McNally should resign, Tablack should go back to Florida and lets have a fresh start.
Mahoning County’s CSB risks voter backlash with pay raises
Unconscionable?
A 3% raise on a $30,000 employee is $900 a year or about $35 a pay, for a job that protects abused and neglected children.
Is that kind of raise unconscionable?
The public voted overwhelmingly for the CSB levy. These raises are 2 years past due. There is enough money in their budget to give the raises.
Traficanti is trying to make political points. But he is failing. The public can see through this grandstanding nonsense.
Unconscionable?
That is a harsh term to use about people who are overworked and underpaid. Yes, underpaid. Traficanti is certainly not overworked or underpaid.
What is unconscionable is not helping children who are at risk.
December 2, 2010 at 2:28 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Gains seeks a 60% hike
This is true fiscal insanity.
The budget INCREASE alone being asked for by the Prosecutor is greater then the annual budget of most county departments: Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, Board of Elections, Domestic Relations Court, Probate Court, Coroner, 911, Microfilm, Planning Commission, Data Processing, Law Library,Building Department, Soldiers Relief, Veterans Services
The Sheriff doesn't have enough money, other county departments have layed off people, there is no money to maintain the Courthouse, we are in a deep recession, the list goes on and on.
When people don't have jobs and are struggling to get by, this is really crazy.The fact that George Tablack seems to be entertaining this is also insanity.I wonder what kind of budgets the other officeholders are going to offer.
November 9, 2010 at 6:39 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Kasich told Ohioans to trust him to do the improbable: balance budget and cut taxes
@kimkotheimer
I don't know much about Kasich. I think he was elected at a young age to a state rep seat and then US Congressman.
He left the Congress about 10 years ago and headed up the banking division at Lehman Borthers in Columbus.
He is a best selling author and now the governor elect of Ohio. He has done pretty well.
What is your point?
And by the way what do you do for a living? How about your work history timeline?
November 5, 2010 at 7:45 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Judge right to challenge hiring
I am confused.
Where is the conflict? If the Prosecutor was sued can't they represent themselves.
And why are we goiing ro spend $50,000 on a case like this? Seems pretty simple. If they are PUBLIC records turn them over.
There must be something more going on here. Maybe this big lawfirm contributes to Traficanti and Gains.
November 5, 2010 at 5:04 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Kasich told Ohioans to trust him to do the improbable: balance budget and cut taxes
The trough feeders and the Vindicator always dismiss candidates who have a vision and strongly held beliefs. Kasich beleives in smaller government, less taxes and a balanced budget.
Can he achieve his goals? No one knows for sure. But I would rather have a candidate who at least has principles and a vision then someone who only cares about himself.
Harry Reid became a millionaire after he became a senator. We know what his goals were. What is the vision of Anthony Traficanti for Mahoning County. Or Ronald Gerberry, or Jay Williams.
The problem with thia area is that we are hamstrung by unqualified public officials. People who couldn't make much of a living without politics. Same for the state level and federal level.
And the strange thing is the Vindicator endorses these people and promotes them. You would think that a more prosperous Youngstown would help the Vindicator's bottom line. But instead they keep pushing candidates who have failed to lead time and time again. Odd.
November 5, 2010 at 7:10 a.m. permalink suggest removal
DE SOUZA: What are voters thinking?
The newspaper is always so negative which does not help the image of our community.
Rather then focus on the fact that Trafcant finished third behind an unknown republican DeSouza goes on and on about the number of votes Traficant got. His obsession with a now insignificant political figure does not help our image. The public has moverd on. So should DeSouza.
As far as Sciortino is concerned he has not been found guilty of anything. This still is America, even if it is Youngstown.
Maybe the public sees Oak Hill as a political fight instead of a criminal matter. Maybe they stand with Sciortino on the wasteful spending at Oak Hill. Maybe there were no serious alternative candidates.
Maybe the public believes in the constitution that you are innocent until proven guilty.
November 3, 2010 at 7:52 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Will area deliver for Dems?
davidjohn and Author50 represent the growing number of people on this web site that see what the newspaper is about. It is not about improving the valley but attempting to secure the newspaper's financial future.
There is no way as Author50 points out that this newspaper should be constantly endorsing incumbents who have done nothing for our area other than collect a paycheck and vote the way labor tells them rather than what is best for the area..
I have little problems with unions. I used to belong to one that functioned pretty well. But the unions around here block new companies from coming into the area.Those areas of the country that grew in the 80's, 90's and through 2007 are right to work states.
There is no reason this area should be so stagnant. We have a skilled work force, great location and importantly lots of water. But we desperately need jobs. No jobs, no middle class. This results in the crime ridden neighborhoods of Youngstown which is spilling into the suburbs.
Maybe it is too late. But the last thing the newspaper should do is endorse anti-growth politicans who only protect ther own selfish interests. The article on fundraising was enlightening. Gerberry 's comments were unbeleiveable. While calling the amounts of money flowing into campaigns obscene, he could not see that he was the recipient of the same. He could not see he benefited from the obscenity.
The republicans normally do not have a chance around here. But if there is a decent candidate the newspaper ought to endorse them once in a while even if the chances of success are slim. It would send a message and hopefully start to change the culture here.
Instead they use Traficant as a side show. Give no consideration to nonincumbents and push for the status quo. It has not helped us in the past. What good will it do us now.
October 24, 2010 at 8:45 a.m. permalink suggest removal
County urged to defund chamber
There is no evidence that Humphries used Chamber resources to support soon to be governor Kasich. He is allowed on his personal time to engage in political activity just like any other Anerican. Apparently everywhere except the Mahoning Valley, the area time forgot.
This is an old Democratic style of attack. Like accusing the US Chamber of using foreign money to affect the outcome of US elections. Even the very liberal NY Times stated that there was no evidence of this. Yet Axelrod told a disbeleiving Bob Schieffer, a liberal himself, do you have any proof that they aren't using foreign money. This is McCarthy like and should be condemned by all liberals as well as conservatives.
Hagan, Betras, Zoldan. That is a trio of highly respected individuals, right. No one will follow their lead. Thank God.
October 16, 2010 at 10:21 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Vivo: Illness has limited me
This story should have more legs. The paper obviously is covering for the Clerk of Courts by making it a puff piece and not prominently displaying it on this web site so people don't comment.
I wonder what public official or officials actually work in the courthouse on the weekend. I am not sure if I know all who work in the courthouse. But here goes. The treasurer, the auditor, the prosecutor, the recorder. the common pleas judges and the domestoc judge and probate judge.
Here are real poll questions unlike the Traficant one:
Do you think Vivo works on the weekends?
If not who does?
Do you think no one works the weekend?
October 15, 2010 at 9:48 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Rimedio-Righetti must handle commissioner’s job with care
I agree with the Author and David.
It is odd how hysterical this paper is to retain Tablack. Like there are no other people in this area who can be a budget director for the county. At a much lower salary I might add. Tablack is only indispensible to the three cmmissioners who are clueless. But he intentionally divides our community with his bullying tactics.
I agree with Author that Righetti was openly against OakHill. That was a reason I voted for her. And during the presidential election I voted at the Board of Elections. How will OakHill handle the hundreds of people.There is not enough parking. And it is an unsafe neighborhood. It is never too late to say we made a mistake and stop the bleeding. Look at what Christie did in New Jersey. Stopped that tunnel project and said enough is enough.
I also agree with David that this argument Oak Hill is downtown or near downtown is nonsense. Those workers are prisoners up there, afraid to leave the building until it is quitting time. And the employees say the building is full of mold, asbestos and vermin.
Traficanti and McNally should resign, Tablack should go back to Florida and lets have a fresh start.
October 13, 2010 at 7:43 a.m. permalink suggest removal