Rep. Verich challenged in Democratic primary

By Sherris Moreira-Byers
Herald Staff Writer

Democratic State Rep. Chris Verich is facing opposition from within while a pair of Republicans are vying for their party’s nomination for the 66th District House seat in the March 7 Ohio primary.

Democrats Daniel J. Sferra, 50, and Tommy Lee Perry, are challenging Verich, 36. All candidates are of Warren.

Sferra, who served as mayor of Warren from 1980 to 1995 and on city council from 1972 to 1979, cited his many years of experience in politics as a reason for his run for the seat. “I feel I can make a contribution because I’ve dealt with a lot of different people on a state level,” said Sferra. “I’d like to do something about prescriptions for seniors and get a moratorium on the school proficiency test until everyone can agree on a fairer one,” he added. Changing the school proficiency test was also important to Verich, who is serving his second term of office. “I’d like to see an emphasis on high technology in education, and try to reform the schools’ proficiency test.”

Verich, who was a regional representative for the Ohio State Treasurer’s office for seven years before being elected, cited his work record and effective leadership, as reasons for keeping the office.

Attempts to contact Perry for this story were unsuccessful. Republican candidates, Charles Burger, Leavittsburg, and John J. Jewell, Warren did not return calls. Jewell, the owner of Katie’s Korner Ice Cream and Side Door Deli in Howland, recently admitted owing $15,000 in back child support.

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