The Mahoning County Bar Association, through a poll of its membership, has said that three candidates, all democrats, on the May primary ballot “are not recommended.”
      A press release issued by the bar association, says that “lawyers are charged with a duty to aid the public in the selection process of those seeking a judicial opinion.”
      The bar said it makes its recommendation considering “the qualities of legal knowledge, professional experience, judicial temperament, integrity, diligence and professional responsibility.”
      Most prominent among candidates not recommended by the bar association is Susan Maruca, seeking the seat on the Probate Court vacated by the resignation of Mark Belinky.
      The bar association said the only qualified Dem candidate in the primary Probate Court race is Chris Sammarone, of 1680 Gully Top Lane, Canfield.
      Maruca, of 3499 Olde Winter Trail, Poland, has gained the support of Dem chair Dave Betras and his minions, although some suggest the campaign “being about qualifications is a smoke screen. The issue at hand is the relationship between Dave and Susan.” Maruca previously had a law office with Betras, and some suggest Betras bought her out of her partnership.
      Maruca bettered Sammarone, 2-1, in the Dem party endorsement meeting, as Maruca accepted the endorsement almost unbelievably noting “This isn’t about politics...”
      Sammarone says he is the “best candidate with extensive probate and guardianship experience.”
      The bar association also did not recommend David Engler, of 9151 Springfield Rd., #1004, Poland, for a seat on the Seventh District Court Appeals; or Mark Hanni, of 3775 Barber Dr., Canfield, for a seat on the Common Pleas Court.
      Recommended for the elections for the Seventh District Court of Appeals are Anthony Donofrio, 1260 Cherokee Lane, Youngstown; Carol Robb, 46033 Hatcher Rd., New Waterford; and Cheryl Waite, 1300 Aspen Lane, Poland.
      Recommended for Common Pleas seats are John Durkin, 755 Greenfield, Boardman; R. Scott Krichbaum, 475 Gardenridge Ct., Boardman; Beth Smith, 500 East South Range Rd., North Lima; and Maureen Sweeney, 7576 Locust Lane, Poland.
      Of all the candidates seeking a judicial seat, the Mahoning County Bar Association gave its highest ratings of “highly recommended” to Judges Durkin and Krichbaum.
      Durkin sits in the bench of the Mahoning County Drug Court, while Krichbaum sits on a Common Pleas bench where he has gained a reputation for stern sentences for convicted felons.
      Belinky resigned from the Probate Court last month in the wake of an investigation into his campaign finances. Sources say he has been reluctant to fully cooperate with that investigation.