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.