DEAR EDITOR:

There has been a great deal of news regarding independent candidates in Youngstown this year, and a lot of drama to go with it. While the mayoral race has everyone’s attention, another race has been forgotten about.

During the Democratic primary, the race for president of council in Youngstown between Anita Davis and Mike Ray actually made the front page of The Vindicator. While this position doesn’t officially carry much weight, the person elected is the next in line to be mayor of our city. That alone should make this a position of interest.

When the Mahoning County Board of Elections certified the independent candidates for the November election on July 8, there was a great deal reported in this paper and on our local news. But oddly enough, there wasn’t a single mention of the independent candidate for president of council in Youngstown. Why is that?

Does this position no longer warrant the reporting of its candidates? Is our local media convinced that an independent can’t win? Or does the local media want to suppress the fact that there is another candidate? Wouldn’t it be beneficial to the residents of Youngstown to know they have a choice?

While the president of council doesn’t have a vote, that person does have a voice. A voice that can convey the will of the people, a voice that can bring new ideas, a voice that can help to make sure our elected council representatives are doing their jobs!

This November, please be aware of all of the choices for president of council in Youngstown. The opportunity to elect someone who wants to make a difference is there for you.

RICH YASLIK

Independent candidate for Youngstown president of council

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Vindicator has included Rich Yaslik’s name among the candidates for president of Youngstown City Council three times this year. He also will be included in a candidates’ profile story later this fall.