06-02-2025
Candidates, issues on the May 6th primary ballot in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties
(WKBN) — Wednesday was the filing deadline for candidates and issues to be placed on the May 6th Primary ballot.
No state or federal offices are up for election, but several city councils will be deciding who will serve.
Beginning with the candidates who have filed in Trumbull and Columbiana Counties: Warren, Niles, Girard, Hubbard and Lordstown are all electing members to their respective councils.
Trumbull County
An interesting race is setting up for Democrat for Council at Large. Five candidates are running for three seats. Incumbent Gary Steinbeck has decided not to run. Helen Rucker and Mike O'Brien are also incumbents seeking re-election. They'll be challenged by former councilman Ken MacPherson, Greg Thumm of Thumm's Bike and Clock Shop and Felicia Pruitt Davis.
In Warren's second ward, Ron Book and Tina Milner have petitioned to run. Incumbent Andrew Herman has decided not to seek re-election.
In the third ward incumbent Greg Greathouse is being challenged by Jeffery Walton.
And in the fifth ward, Michael Shrodek is running unopposed since incumbent Tiffany Stanford has decided not to run again.
Four candidates are running for the three council at large seats. Jimmy Julian and Mike Lastic are the incumbents. Also running are former service and safety director Ed Stredney and Mindy Devorich. The third incumbent Doug Sollito is running unopposed for Niles Council President.
As far as issues, there are two communities asking for additional tax dollars. Champion is asking for an additional 1.6 mills for police and EMS. And Vienna is asking for an additional 3.5 mills for fire and EMS.
Columbiana County
Incumbent Municipal Judge Kelly Linger of Wellsville is being challenged by Danielle Menning of Leetonia. They're both running as Republicans.
And four Republicans have filed to run for council at large is Salem. hey are Mike Weir, Trent Tice, Dennis Plegge and Jim Harrington. George Begalla is the lone Democrat. In November, three will be elected.
There are a number of races in Columbiana County where there are a lack of candidates. The most are in East Liverpool where no one filed to run for President of Council, Treasurer or council members in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th wards.
And only one person filed for the three positions of council at large. Lisbon needs three more council members, and Wellsville needs two. It's hoped that someone will step up between now and November.
As far as issues in Columbiana County, a one percent sales tax renewal will be on the May ballot, and Salem will be looking to renew a quarter-percent income tax.
Mahoning County
The race that will like generate the most interest will be the Democrat primary for Youngstown Mayor. Incumbent Tito Brown will have a challenger. Brown will be challenged by current 3rd Ward Councilwoman Samantha Turner.
Another interesting race will be for the Youngstown City Council President. Incumbents Mike Ray and Anita Davis have filed to take over as President after current President Tom Hetrick decided not to run again. Republican Tracy Randall has also filed and will run against the Ray-Davis winner in November.
And though this race will not be decided until November, Democrat Marty Hume has filed to run against Republican Incumbent Renee DiSalvo for Youngstown Municipal Judge.
In Struthers, normally a Democrat community, two Republicans are running. In the second ward, Republican Robert Deagan is challenging incumbent Democrat Ron Carcelli. In the 3rd ward, Republican Patrick Bundy is challenging incumbent Democrat Robert Burnside Jr. Those races will be decided in November.
As far as issues, one community is asking voters for more tax dollars. Lowellville wants to increase its income tax from 2 percent to 2.5 percent. There's also the renewal of a current expense levy in Austintown, and the Poland Schools are looking to pass a renewal levy that is used for general operations.
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