Newsletters

The Mahoning County Democrat - May 2010

Messages about the Chairman...

Usually, this space is reserved for “Messages from the Chairman”. This time we asked Elected officials, Committee members and Union Leaders for their comments “about” Chairman Betras and of the job he has done this past year. Here is what some had to say...

Dave Betras has been the best thing to happen to Mahoning County Democrat Party. His work with all the party politicians and the labor of the valley have come together to work for what is best for the Mahoning Valley. His energy, his commitment to the party has been proven time and again.- JoAnn Johntony, State President of the Ohio Association Public School Employees

For me, David Betras has been a "breath of fresh air" that has energized our party. He has given us a great foundation to build on for the coming years. It is my belief that if you want to be successful at whatever you do, you must have a passion to do it. David Betras has shown me that he has the passion, energy, dedication and courage to lead the Democratic Party for years to come. - John R. Swierz, Y-town 7th Ward Councilman

Chairman Betras is always willing to help. If he's busy, he finds the time. Most importantly, he delivers. - Hanna M. Kassis, Campaign Manager for Tim Ryan

When I decided to support him initially there was little doubt in my mind that he would do an acceptable job; his taking hold of the Party and his actions and activity as Chairman have exceeded my expectations. - George D. Beelen, Canfield District Leader: CNF 3

Chairman Betras has brought new energy to the MCDP. He had a plan from the onset, and he is sticking to it. Putting the power back into the central committee and unifying the party is what I see happening. - David B.Green, President, UAW 1714, BDM 45

Under his leadership, the MCDP has arrived in the 21st Century. Embracing the technology of today with our website, newsletter, social networks, emails and on-line donations, we offer more access and visibility to the public, more effectiveness for our candidates and the ability to engage the next generation of Democrats, our youth. - Laureen Scahill, MCDP Communication Director, YGN 5C

Chairman Betras has shown leadership that has been lacking in the Mahoning Valley. - Travis Hoskinson, Business Representative, Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association

For the first time in several years, a struggling Mahoning County HAS a Democrat Party! In a little more than a years time, under the leadership of Chairman Betras, we are respected by our leaders on the National, State & local levels!! - Bev Reyes, BDM 17

The Young Democrats are grateful to Chairman Betras who helped us from day one in restabilizing and reorganizing so that we could get back to a place where the young dems are a force for the Valley. - Brandon Kovach, President, Mahoning County Young Democrats

DB is a great fundraiser which benefits the entire party. And once the MCDP supports you, he will not let anything stand in the way of that support. - John McNally, MC Commissioner

I think Chairman Betras has done an outstanding job with the MCDP..., he has his career, money and prestige without the politics! He must really love his position as chairman.... - Cynthia McWilson, Y-town 5th Ward District Leader, YGN 5I

What I found out was that the chairman is a tenacious individual with a passion for this party. He will do whatever he has to, he will spend whatever he has to, (including his own money) in order to get the party united and to make us a stronghold in the political community once again. We, through the leadership of the chairman, have raised more money than any previous chairpersons. David has done a great job of putting together a "team" that works well together.... - Richard Clautti, Treasurer, Mahoning County Democratic Party, BDM 13

The Mahoning County Democrat - March 2010

Message from the Chairman......

It is time to end the "Family Feuds"

If the Valley had a significant Republican challenge then the Democrats here would have a clear-cut opponent to focus on and put an end to all this constant fighting within our own Party! I am not advocating for more GOP influence, but at least the battle would then be clear. I have come to the conclusion, some are not happy unless there is conflict, but this constant turmoil that exists among our own Party has got to come to an end. When will everyone realize, this internal strife does so much harm. United we could be so powerful, divided only makes us weak, not to mention an embarrassment across the state. We are such a strong Democratic Valley, we should be recognized and in control of Democratic politics in Ohio, yet we are overlooked and our votes taken for granted. Why? Because no one wants to contend with so many factions all vying for control. Some 10 months ago the Central Committee members put their faith in me, and gave me the opportunity to lead this Party. It truly has been a humbling experience. I assume it is because they wanted to see us move in a positive direction, and when someone asks ”what direction am I taking the Party?”, the answer is clear “Forward!” In this short time I have tried my best, I have devoted my time, my energy, my resources, and my finances as I strive to obtain that goal. This Valley deserves to be recognized as a brilliant star with the State Democratic Party and a “real threat” to our political opponents. Everyday, and I do mean “EVERYDAY” (just ask my wife, Pam), my focus has been on returning this Party to the proud stature it deserves in this Community. I am focused, I am determined but lately what I have been is distracted. Distracted by all the nonsense, distracted by all the game playing and the constant embattlement. Is no one ever satisfied? This is politics folks! It is ever evolving and in motion. The sun sets on some, the sun rises on a new fresh face, that’s politics. The old regime is put aside by an energetic new direction, that’s politics. There is no stagnation, there is no going back, get out of the way, the MCDP is moving “FORWARD!!”.

Dems turnout for 4th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner

An impressive turnout of Democratic Party Leadership and supporters were in attendance Friday, March 5th at the Maronite Center to honor the latest inductees into the Mahoning County Democratic Party Hall of Fame. This years honorees are highlighted on the following page; Rosemary Durkin, Vincent E. Gilmartin, Pete Starks and John Vitullo. One memorable moment came when Vince Gilmartin sang an Irish antidote about a 19 year old lass with a Democratic twist that had the crowd roaring in laughter. Several State officials and candidates were also in attendance including Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, Judge Mary Jane Trapp, Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, and Judge Eric Brown

2010 Mahoning County Hall of Fame Honorees

Rosemary Durkin

Rosemary was appointed a Deputy Clerk in the Youngstown Municipal Court in 1946. In the 70’s she was appointed Chief Deputy Clerk and Assistant Clerk of Courts. She then sought the elected office of Clerk of Courts and in 1976 was sworn in as the 1st Woman in Mahoning County to hold a major office. Considered by many to be the “trailblazer” for women in politics in this Valley. She held the office until she retired in 1999. She was honored as State of Ohio Person of the Year when Harry Meshel was Chairman of the State Democratic Party. She was named Woman of the Year by the JFK Club and Irish Woman of the Year. She is also proud of organizing the Pre-election Mass and Breakfast for Committee members with then Chairman, Don Hanni.

Vincent E. Gilmartin

Vincent graduated from Harvard College in 1950 and received his J.D. from Ohio Northern University in 1954. He served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio and as Assistant Law Director for the City of Youngstown. In 1968 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Mahoning County and served for 4 consecutive terms. He was named Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year in 1978. In 1985 he returned to private practice until his retirement in 2008. He was honored as Irish Man of the Year in 2000, served as Master of Ceremony for the St Patrick’s Day Parade, and as Grand Marshall in 1986. He is a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Herman “Pete” Starks

Herman “Pete” Starks was employed by the Republic Steel Co. for 39 years where he served as financial secretary, grievance committeeman and Civil Rights Coordinator for the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1331. He was elected in 1964 to Youngstown City Council and served for 22 years as 2nd Ward Councilman. His tenure on Council included Chairman of the Finance Committee and was responsible for millions of dollars in improvement projects for his Ward. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Black Caucus in 1970, served on the boards of the McGuffey Center and Community Action Council and elected as Vice President of the Youngstown Historical Center of Labor and Industry. Pete was recognized by the East High Hall of Fame and now serves on that Board.

John Vitullo 1902-1948

John C. Vitullo was the powerful Chairman of the Democratic party in the 1940’s, referred to as “the Boss” of Youngstown and Mahoning County. During his tenure, he was a member of the Ohio State Democratic Executive Committee for 6 years and was a close personal friend of then Governor, Frank Lausche. He was delegate to the 1944 and 1948 Democratic National Conventions. During that ‘48 Presidential campaign he served in Washington D.C. on an elite Strategy committee that proved successful for President Truman. He served on the Board of Elections from 1940 until his death in 1948 and was honored as Man of the Year by the Jackson-Roosevelt Democratic Club.

Central Committee called to Endorsement process

In accordance with the Constitution of the MCDP and for the 1st time in approximately two decades, the Mahoning County Democratic Party called upon the Executive and Central Committee Members to come together for the purpose of endorsing candidates for the May 4, 2010 Primary election. For weeks leading up to this event, the Committee members were courted by the Candidates through letters and phone calls explaining their qualifications, platforms and asking for their support. In the end, the Committees made their choices: THE MCDP ENDORSED CANDIDATES : Ted Strickland, Governor Yvette McGee Brown, Lt. Gov. Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, SOS Richard Cordray, Atty General Kevin Boyce, State Treasurer David Pepper, State Auditor U.S. Senate: Jennifer Brunner and Lee Fisher, both endorsed. U.S. Congress: Tim Ryan (17th), Charlie Wilson (6th). State Senate: Joe Schiavoni(33rd) State Reps: Bob Hagan(60th), Ron Gerberry (59th), Mark Oakey(61st) State Supreme Court: Judges Eric Brown and Mary Jane Trapp Mahoning County Commissioner: Carol Rimedio-Righetti County Auditor: Mike Sciortino 7th District Court of Appeals: Judge Gene Donofrio.

The Mahoning County Democrat - January 2010

Message from the Chairman......

Happy New Year !!
Welcome to 2010!!

As the MCDP moves into the 21st Century, welcome to the “technology era” of Mahoning County politics! The News Media and the Retail Industry, among others, have embraced the internet and it’s ability to offer a new frontier and reach out to new customers. Politics had been slow to follow suit, until the Obama campaign proved its relevance to a successful strategy and a winning campaign. The Ohio Democratic Party has capitalized on this concept and built a technology super-center, as the 4th largest political venue in the Country. The ODP can narrow down demographics by community, by street, by household and target specific potential voters to contact. In the Mahoning Valley we are very resistant to change and the “old school” politics still prevail. But what many are slow to realize, while the old standard is still relevant; you do still need “ boots on the ground”, the new technology, available today, is not a replacement, but an enhancement. It is also an avenue to engage the next generation of voters, our youth, who are growing up knowing “only” technology. Technology is not only a way to eventually garner their vote but also to attract them to the political stage. As a new generation of public servants take the reign of Leadership in this Community, technology will become mainstream in Mahoning Valley politics. So what can the MCDP offer? That is simple: For Candidates that seek the Party’s endorsement , a mix of old school proven know-how and hightech ingenuity. As has been the case for generations, the capabilities of the MCDP to rally the troops, canvas the neighborhoods and put forth a good campaign is unmatched! But now, behind the scenes is a network that can do it smarter and with more precision. A network that can target where more effort is needed and where funds can be spent more wisely, thus giving our Candidates the best possible chance for a successful outcome.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REAPPOINTS WASKO

On Wednesday, January 13th, the MCDP Executive Committee met to reappoint Robert Wasko to his third 4-year term on the Mahoning County Board of Elections. He was the only candidate to seek the appointment, Cynthia McWilson Mauzy withdrew her name prior to the meeting. In addition, Bill DeMora, from the ODP, offered clarification on a new policy from the Ohio Democratic Party, banning secret ballots. Much discussion ensued regarding the directive, initially issued by the Democratic National Committee, which orders County parties to no longer use secret written ballots for any votes, whether that be for filling replacements or for endorsements. The MCDP objects to the policy and voted to have Chairman Betras send a letter to the ODP noting the Party’s objection.

Bill Clinton campaigns in Valley for Governor Strickland

President Bill Clinton was guest of honor at a fundraising event for Governor Ted Strickland on January 5, 2010. The event was held at the home of Bruce and Rori Zoldan. Approximately 150 guest paid $1000/person to meet with and listen to President Clinton speak. In his address, he reiterated how important the Valley is to the Strickland campaign, the need to motivate the base of voters and that a strong turnout will be critical in the reelection of Gov. Strickland and the Democratic ticket. Chairman Betras has promised to work for an 80% turnout in the Valley for Governor Strickland. The importance of keeping Democrats in control of the State offices can not be understated. After the 2010 Census, the party in control of the appropriation board will redraw the Congressional Districts. This Valley could be seriously impacted by that redistricting process, since Ohio could loose 2 Congressional seats due to the loss of population in the State. The Fundraiser event concluded with an opportunity to take photos with President Clinton and a fireworks display.


Gov. Strickland and President Clinton	Chairman Betras, his wife, Pam, President Clinton and Bev Reyes	President Clinton addresses the crowd	Governor Strickland and State Senator Joe Schiavoni

Strickland chooses Lt. Governor, running mate

Governor Strickland has chosen a former Franklin County (Columbus area) juve-nile court judge as his Lt. Governor run-ning mate. Yvette McGee Brown is cur-rently the president of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at the Na-tionwide Children’s Hospital, a non-profit geared toward preventing child abuse and domestic violence.

She grew up in Columbus, the daughter of a single teenage mother who worked 2 jobs to support her children and give them every opportunity in life to succeed.

At age 48 she will add gender and racial diversity to the ticket and figures to as-sist Strickland with the African-American vote, as well as independent, professional woman.

Ms. McGee Brown graduated from Columbus public schools, received her undergraduate de-gree in Journalism/Public Relations from Ohio University, and her juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University.

She serves on the Board of Directors of M/I Homes and Fifth Third Bank of Central Ohio. She is the Chair of the Ohio State University Alumni Assoc. Board of Directors.

She has been honored numerous times for her Community Service including the 2005 Distin-guished Service Award from The Ohio State University, the Champion of Children Award and the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award.

She is married, her husband is a public school teacher and she has 3 children.

Yvette McGee Brown, Candidate for Ohio Lt. Governor

Yvette McGee Brown
Candidate for Ohio
Lt. Governor

DEMS “HOOP IT UP” FOR LOCAL CHARITY

Local Dems participated in the 6th Annual Game of Hope Charity Basketball Classic at Beegley Center on the YSU campus. The game is organized to raise money for chronically and terminally ill children in the Valley, so they can enjoy experiences generally afforded to healthy children. The Event raised about $8000 this year. David Betras served as honorary team owner for Team Pegg, coached by Jeff Pegg (Northeast Ohio Educators’ Assoc.). Team members included: Mayor Jay Williams, state Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-33rd), and U.S.Rep. John Boccieri (D-16th). Ross Scianna (Antones) was the honorary owner for Team Graham, coached by Jim Graham (UAW Local 1112) with team members: U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-17th), Ohio Attorney General, Richard Cordray, Dave Green (UAW Local 1714 )and John Landers (Boardman school board). Bob Hannon, CEO of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, called the play by play. Team Pegg emerged the victor with a score: Team Pegg 59: Team Graham 49. The game was sponsored by the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Upcoming Events

2/5/2010 - 7:30-9:00am - Regional Chamber Tri-County Legislative Breakfast

2/7/2010 - St. Patrick's Church, Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Haiti

2/12/2010 - 12:00-6:00pm - American Legion F.D.R. Fish and Shrimp Fry

2/12/2010 - 6:00-10:00pm - Anthony Traficanti Fundraiser at Antone's

2/17/2010 - 11:30am - Tim Ryan addresses Regional Chamber at Leo's

The Mahoning County Democrat - October 2009

Issues, man do I have issues...

As anyone who knows me will attest, I have lots of issues. I’m driven. I can’t stand losing. I’m a workaholic. I can be a little compulsive. I can be arrogant. I’m—wait, wait, hold on a second. I just remembered, this column isn’t supposed to be about my personal issues. Truth is, we don’t have enough space to list them all anyway.

The issues I’m supposed to write about are those that will appear on the November 3 General Election ballot in Mahoning County. As many of you know, I do have real issues with one of them: State Issue 3. I’ll lay out why I think this gambling scheme is a real loser for our area and our state a little later.

But first, I’d like to discuss State Issues 1 and 2 and countywide Issues 4, 5, and 6, each of which is critical to the future of our community and deserving of our support.

State Issue 1 would authorize the state to issue bonds that would fund the payment of bonuses to both veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the family members of those who were killed in action. The state has paid similar bonuses to service men and women who served in World Wars I and II, Korea, and Viet Nam. Clearly those who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom deserve and have earned the small payments Issue 1 will provide. Voting “YES” is one way we can thank them for all they done for us.

State Issue 2 deserves our support because it will protect our food supply and help bolster one of our state’s most important industries: agriculture. Issue 2 calls for the establishment and operation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board that will prescribe standards for animal care and well-being, promote food safety, encourage the sale and consumption of locally grown and raised food, and protect Ohio farms and families. In short, it will help ensure that we know what we eat is safe and wholesome because it will be grown by our neighbors using the highest possible standards. Sounds delicious to me. I’m voting YES.

Mahoning County Issue 6 will provide the funds needed to “Keep the lights on” at our public libraries. Earlier this year, state funding for our library system was slashed dramatically as leaders in Columbus struggled to balance Ohio’s budget in the midst of the Bush recession. As a result, the system will lose $2.5 million in state aid each year. In order to cope with these cuts the system has been forced to reduce services, lay off staff, and curtail hours of operation at many branches; all at a time when people need libraries more than ever.

Issue 6 is not a tax increase. It is a renewal of a small tax passed in 2005. Without the funds it generates the library will have to make deeper cuts that will hurt us all. I urge each of you to vote for Issue 6 and to do what you can to help by visiting http://www.keepthelighton.org/.

Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and abused and neglected children are especially at risk. That is why the work done by the dedicated professionals at Mahoning County Children Services is so vital to the well-being of our community. Last year, this award-winning agency received 1,311 referrals involving thousands of children.

In order to continue to protect kids and preserve families, Children Services must have the funds generated by Issue 5, a renewal of the agency’s five mill levy. Issue 5 is not a tax increase, but it is a small investment that pays huge dividends for our families. I urge you to vote for our kids by voting for Issue 5. To learn more about Mahoning County Children Services visit their website at: http://www.mahoningkids.com/.

Issue 4 is a small levy that is essential to our community’s future growth and prosperity. When passed, Issue 4 will enable Mahoning County to collect its existing five-year, one-half percent sales tax on a continuing basis. That will bring stability to the county’s budgeting process and generate the funds we need to keep our neighborhoods safe, maintain important services, retain existing jobs, and compete for new ones. In addition, because Issue 4 is a sales tax, people from outside the county help strengthen our community every time they shop in Mahoning County. That makes Issue 4 a winner for all of us.

Which bring me to Issue 3—the casino scheme that is a dead loser for all of us. Earlier this year the Executive Committee of the MCDP unanimously passed a resolution opposing Issue 3 because it will not create one job in our Valley, it gives us pennies while the four casino cities get hundreds of millions, it won’t recapture Ohio dollars now being wagered in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, and it creates a casino monopoly for out-of-state interests that permanently deals Mahoning County out of the casino industry. Under Issue 3 a casino can never be built in Youngstown or Mahoning County.

In addition to being a terrible deal, I’m opposed to Issue 3 because it represents one more reprehensible episode of our community being taken for granted by powerful interests who could care less about what happens here. The backers of Issue 3 were dumb enough to believe that we’d vote for their scheme even though they purposely dealt us out of jobs and a fair share of the revenue generated by gaming.

Fact is, we’re being cheated—again—and the time has come for us to stand up and say enough is enough.

Some—ok, one Bertram D’Souza-has consistently mischaracterized my position on Issue 3. I’m not against gambling, I’m against a gambling scheme that will create thousands of jobs in an area like Columbus that don’t need them while creating none here—the area that needs them most.

And while we are working with the company that owns Mountaineer Resort in West Virginia to defeat Issue 3, I want to make this clear: if that company seeks to place a casino issue on the ballot that ignores us, I’ll fight just as hard to beat it if and when the time comes.

Because, at its heart, this isn’t about gambling. It’s about doing the right thing for the people of the Mahoning Valley. Issue 3 needs to be defeated so we—and all Ohioans—have an opportunity to work with the legislature to craft a casino issue that will benefit the state rather than the gambling interests. That issue would call for a free and fair auction of casino licenses, a tax rate of 50% or higher on gambling proceeds, and it would mandate that a casino be built in the area of the state with the highest historical unemployment rate: the Mahoning Valley.

Until then, we need to stand together and let the billion dollar casino interests we can’t be bought or bamboozled. We won’t be cheated. We won’t vote for Issue 3.