Election Nears for Mahoning Soil & Water Board of Supervisors
Mahoning County, OH – The Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is set for a pivotal election to fill two open seats on its board of supervisors. Residents of Mahoning County are encouraged to vote for no more than two of the four candidates competing for this important position.
Voting Information:
Votes can be cast in person from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the SWCD office, located at 850 Industrial Road, Youngstown. Voting will continue until 2PM, November 5th. Eligible voters must be at least 18 years old and either reside in or own land in Mahoning County.
Absentee ballots are also available for those who cannot vote in person. Requests can be made by contacting the district office at (330) 740-7995 or via email at askswcd@mahoningcountyoh.gov. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 2PM on November 5th.
Meet the Candidates:
A.J. Baltes is a fourth-generation farmer from Ellsworth Township, managing a 1,000-acre farm that produces corn, beans, and wheat. Baltes has implemented conservation practices such as no-till farming, cover crops, and pollinator plots on his family’s farm, which has been recognized as the Area 2 Winner by the Mahoning SWCD. He works as a seed dealer for Hubner Seed and has contributed to conservation efforts through the donation of conservation easements on two properties totaling 390 acres to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, ensuring the land remains undeveloped and continues to support ecological functions.
Elayne Bozick is from Lowellville and has extensive experience in art, real estate, and financial services. She owns Clovis Design Studio and works as a licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Stouffer Realty. Bozick has been a member of the Rotary Club of Youngstown for 29 years, serving in multiple leadership roles, including Past President and District Governor Nominee Designate for Rotary District 6650. She has led the Operation Pollination initiative and has been involved in community service through various boards and committees, including the Mahoning County Historical Society and Coitsville Township Zoning Board of Appeals.
Richard S. Scarsella is a Boardman resident and career counselor at Choffin Career and Technical Center in Youngstown. He has served over 14 years on the SWCD board, holding positions including board chairman and associate supervisor. Scarsella holds a summa cum laude Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education from Boston College and two Master of Science degrees from Youngstown State University. He is actively involved in various local boards, including the Education Service Center of Eastern Ohio and the Mahoning Valley Regional Council of Governments, and has a background in community and non-profit work, including historical and educational organizations.
Tony Ciccone (information unavailable).
Role and Responsibilities:
The elected member will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2025. The board of supervisors is responsible for setting policies, strategic goals, and representing the district within the community. The Mahoning County Soil & Water Conservation District is dedicated to advancing best management practices for land and water conservation through education, technical assistance, and stewardship.
For additional information about the candidates and their platforms, or to request an absentee ballot, please contact the Mahoning County Soil & Water Conservation District office.