DEAR EDITOR:

Election interference by establishment elites is rampant in both political parties. To think that our local elections are immune is delusional.

The May Primary races within Mahoning and Columbiana counties such as the 7th District Court of Appeals, the Ohio Secretary of State race and others have seen measurable questionably nefarious actions taken.

Publicly conveyed, a State Central Committee member who is up for election in May apparently contacted candidate for Secretary of State, Marcell Strbich, allegedly offering a political job interview if he withdrew from the race. Was there greater pressure applied? Marcell Strbich rightfully declined and could not be bought!

The Republican candidate for the 7th Court of Appeals David P. Scott announced that he was persuaded by party heads to withdraw from the race. Was he spooked? Likely a promise of a future political opportunity was made.

Withdrawals often result in the establishment elites effectively disenfranchising voters from the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice leaving only one choice, good or bad!

Is there a deceptive sleight of hand pre-election stunt in play? Namely, manipulations specifically related to the published list of the pre-election standing committee occupied and vacant seats of the Columbiana County Republican Party Central Committee for the term of May 2022 through May 2024.

Prior to this primary election cycle’s filing deadline, four specific seats remained vacant or unfiled for. Three of the seats were filed for candidacy each by only one candidate. The fourth one has two candidates filing for the same seat. However, the list now published for the term of May 2022 through May 2024 now has these seats filled with the names of the candidates who have yet to be voted for on May 5.

Further compounding the issue is that the vacant seat which has two May 5th candidates filed for the same seat has one name suspiciously and nefariously selected over the other candidate for this now suspect list! What were the criteria or reasons for such a selective choice? Can anyone guess?

What is the objective of this seemingly preelection stunt? Is it to secure vote outcomes in a pending preelection committee meeting, essentially stacking the deck?

Election interference 101! The Candyman aka Dark Lord of Salem continues seeking to remove those that one may consider to be personal political obstacles. A Narcissist who by any means demands revenge and autocratic control is dangerous!

MARK E. GUY

East Palestine