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.