Rep. Cirelli faces three in primary

Incumbent's campaign emphasizes experience

Feb. 25, 2004
Akron Beacon Journal

Three Democrats are challenging Rep. Mary M. Cirelli in Tuesday's primary.

Cirelli, a Canton Democrat, became the 52nd District's representative in 2000. She is being challenged by William J. Healy II, Craig Massey and Thomas L. Robinson for the chance to face Republican Mandwel D. Patterson in November.

Cirelli said her experience -- she began as the Ward 3 councilwoman in 1984 and has been involved in politics since -- is one of her greatest strengths.

"I think, as government entities, we need to learn to do more for less. I believe in the best bang for the buck,'' Cirelli said.

Two of Cirelli's opponents said she has done little to fight the area's lack of growth and job loss.

"She basically has been able to achieve nothing for this area,'' Healy said. He said he believes the district isn't taken seriously in Columbus with Cirelli as the representative.

Healy, 42, stressed that he is approaching the race like a job interview, where candidates should be judged on their "resume.''

While he has not held political office before -- he lost a bid for Canton mayor last year -- Healy said that his background (which includes degrees in business and marketing) makes him a strong candidate.

Commentary:
Perhaps the real reason Cirelli is opposed by Democrats in this primary is because of her strong, principled votes on issues such as concealed carry reform, which are not always given the proper attention by Democrats.

Mary Cirelli is under attack for supporting your rights, by others in her own party. She has earned OFCC PAC's endorsement in the 2004 Democrat primary, and she deserves the support of pro-self-defense Democrats in House District 52 (part of Stark County).

See all the OFCC PAC 2004 Primary Election endorsements!