Dems Return Gerberry to House

April 25, 2007 3:34 p.m.
COLUMBUS Mahoning County Recorder Ron Gerberry will be headed back to Columbus to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives.

The Austintown Democrat was chosen unanimously by the Ohio House Democratic Caucus during a meeting Wednesday morning to fill the unexpired term of state Rep. Ken Carano, D-59. Carano starts Tuesday as regional director for the governor's office. In his new position, Carano will act as an advisor, representative and liaison for Gov. Ted Strickland in the Mahoning Valley.

"We are excited to have Ron Gerberry back," said House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty in a news release announcing Gerberry's appointment. Gerberry was chosen unanimously by the Democratic Caucus. A screening committee recommended Gerberry to the full caucus after interviewing candidates last week.

Gerberry served nearly two decades in the Ohio House. He was appointed in 1982 to fill the unexpired term of Tom Carney and held the seat through 2000, when term limits prevented him from seeking re-election and he ran for recorder. Carano succeeded him in the seat.

A former schoolteacher and member of the Austintown Board of Education, Gerberry served several terms as chairman of the House Education Committee.

A House resolution officially installing Gerberry is expected to be voted upon as early as Tuesday. Carano's last official day with the house will be Monday.

Copyright 2007 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio