Candidates Support Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport

February 24, 2004

Candidates Support Local Airport
Youngstown Vindicator, OH


YOUNGSTOWN — Commissioner candidates in Mahoning and
Trumbull counties, for the most part, see the local
airport as an asset that needs more attention. 

The candidates don't think the airport will ever be
able to compete with facilities in Pittsburgh or
Cleveland, but most see potential for the
Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport as a cog to improve
the local economy and quality of life for Mahoning
Valley residents. 

The Vindicator sent questionnaires to all commissioner
candidates in both counties who are facing opposition
in the March 2 primary asking them about a number of
issues, including the airport. 

The six Democratic candidates running for the two open
commissioner seats in Mahoning County returned their
questionnaires. 

Of the seven Democrats and two Republicans running for
the Trumbull commissioner seat currently held by
Joseph J. Angelo Jr., who is seeking re-election, five
Democrats and both Republicans responded. Angelo, who
has supported the airport in the past, and former
Commissioner John F. McCloskey didn't respond. 

Of the four Democrats running for the seat held by
Commissioner Daniel E. Polivka, who is seeking
re-election, all but John A. MacKenzie returned the
questionnaire. 

Mahoning responses 

The responses from the Democratic candidates running
to replace Mahoning County Commissioner Vicki Allen
Sherlock for a term that begins Jan. 2 were: 

U Anthony Traficanti of Poland: "I see the airport as
an asset to derive a potential economic stimulus to
our local economy. I will work hard to continue to
save the airport, and to market its viability on a
local and national scale." 

U David Ditzler of Austintown: "I believe the airport
and the air base are essential to the future growth of
our county and our region. ... I will also support
making funds available to subsidize the new passenger
carrier that plans to begin operations at the
airport." 

U William Flickinger of Youngstown: It's "going to
have [to have] some fiscal responsibility." 

The responses from the Democratic candidates running
to replace Mahoning Commissioner Ed Reese for a term
that begins Jan. 3 were: 

U Mark Belinky of Boardman: "By all measures, the
airport has been unsuccessful, [but] I believe the
airport has great potential. Perhaps a lack of
aviation expertise on the port authority board and a
lack of proper marketing have stymied development." 

U John A. McNally IV of Youngstown: "I do not believe
that we can ever give up on attempting to achieve
success for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. It
does not appear that it will return to be a
full-service passenger hub, but I do believe regional
air travel and direct flights will bring good news to
this airport." 

U Beth Stanko of Boardman: "Since larger airlines are
in financial difficulty perhaps we could entice
smaller airlines into the area." 

>From Trumbull candidates 

The responses from the Democratic candidates in
Trumbull County running against Angelo for a term that
begins Jan. 2 were: 

U Reginald F. Giancola Jr. of Niles: We should
"continue to try to bring in airline services to our
area." 

U Paul E. Heltzel of Niles: "The regional airport is a
necessary component of the air base." 

U Melissa M. Long of Cortland: "The airport is an
asset. It is also a valuable tool for the
commissioners to use in marketing the county as an
important component in the superior transportation
grid we can provide. It also has a significant
importance because of its intertwining with the air
base and as such its survival is an imperative
component in the strategy to keep the military
facility open." 

U David C. Cook of Warren: We should be "working on
bringing additional airlines in and tourism." 

U John D. Robertson of Warren: "We need to envision
the airport as a necessary component in our economic
development and establish a funding level that will
allow it be maintained and plan for technological
improvements." 

The responses from the Republican candidates in
Trumbull County running for a term that begins Jan. 2
were: 

U Arno A. Hill of Lordstown: "The airport needs to
stay open to keep our air base viable. ... I will work
to promote the success of the airport, but a drive is
needed to achieve a self-supporting operation." 

U Michael Colello of Mecca: "I think the airport is a
very valuable asset to us that needs to be saved. I
think it shows good potential, but needs delicate
diplomacy." 

The responses from Democratic candidates in Trumbull
County challenging Polivka for a term that begins Jan.
3 were: 

U Polivka, of Warren: "I support the $150,000 going
toward the airport and with the new airline coming,
this is great for our county to continue to market the
land and airport." 

U Gwen Logan of Farmdale: "I believe the airport is a
diamond in the rough. Because of our physical location
I still believe that the airport can be an important,
if not the most important, part of our future economic
growth." 

U Donald J. Barzak of Johnston: "We need to take a
more concerted effort and approach to attract
businesses to our airport area. We have spent a lot of
money out there, but it is going to take
follow-through and commitment from our leadership if
the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is to prosper."



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