Trending
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two new common pleas court judges have their mandates from voters, while an established appeals judge has extended his term.
Unofficial results from the Mahoning County Board of Elections show that the Democratic nominee, Austintown Township Administrator Mark D'Apolito, has defeated his Republican opponent, Common Pleas Court Magistrate Ross Smith, in a landslide victory to succeed Judge R. Scott Krichbaum when he retires in February. Ohio's age limits prohibit the 73-year-old judge from continuing his 36-year tenure.
As of The Vindicator's publication deadline, D'Apolito was winning by a 76% to 24% margin.
"I just want to thank my family and my friends, my supporters, every one who contributed to the campaign, it was a group effort," D'Apolito said. "I look forward to serving Mahoning County, and providing an opportunity for everyone to seek justice in the courtroom."
Austintown Township Trustee Monica Deavers said she is thrilled for her colleague but the victory is bittersweet.
"We have all become very close as a group," she said. "It's been wonderful working with Mark and I know I speak for the other trustees when I say we'll miss him. We've done a lot together, we've come a long way."
Deavers said she appreciated that D'Apolito approached the board to ask their blessing for his campaign. She said the township will have to find a new administrator, but did not say exactly when that process will begin.
In the four-way race to succeed Judge John M. Durkin, unofficial results show that attorney and Columbiana County Assistant Prosecutor Ralph Rivera, a Republican, has defeated his three opponents, with a decisive 39% of the vote. Attorney and Poland Village Council President Michael Thompson, the Democratic candidate, claimed 27.5%, Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor Rob Andrews drew nearly 19%, and former Youngstown Law Director Jeff Limbian drew about 15%.
My opponents were all worthy opponents and I respect them all. I wish them the very best moving forward," Rivera said. “I want to thank the voters of Mahoning County for having faith in me and electing me as the next judge to replace Judge Jack Durkin, whom I hold in the highest esteem. I make no mistake that he leaves very big shoes to fill and he set a very high bar. I want to thank all my friends and family and supporters, because without them I would not have been able to celebrate tonight."
APPEALS COURT RACE
In the race for Judge Cheryl R. Waite's seat on the Seventh District Court of Appeals, Seventh District Judge Mark Hanni, a Republican, defeated his Democratic opponent, Katherine Rudzik. At deadline, Hanni was leading by a 57% to 43% margin across the eight counties that court serves, although Rudzik was winning Mahoning County by a 55% to 45% margin.
The Seventh District covers Mahoning, Columbiana, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe and Noble counties.
Hanni's victory means he will extend his tenure on the panel. Ohio's age limit laws meant that Hanni would have had to retire when his current term ends in 2028. Instead, he will sit on the appellate bench until 2030.
"I'm very blessed to get elected, I worked hard, I had a radio talk show in Bellaire that reached all the way up to Columbiana County, and I believe it was a big help," Hanni said. "The local paper and Dave Skolnick always try to undermine me, but I think people have wised up."
He praised his opponent as well.
"I have to congratulate Katherine, she ran a good race, she got in late but it is a lot to run for any office and I applaud anyone who runs, because it's a service they provide the community and it's not a pleasant thing because of the negativity in both parties."
Unofficial results also show Republican Mark DeVicchio besting Democrat Terry Grenga in the race for Mahoning County Domestic Relations Judge. Judge Beth A. Smith also is prohibited from continuing under Ohio's age limit laws. DeVicchio appeared to win by a 63% to 37% margin.