Shocked Councilwoman Earns Nomination for City Council President in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Youngstown Councilwoman Anita Davis said she was shocked Tuesday night after learning she had won the Democratic primary for City Council President.

Davis defeated fellow council member Mike Ray by 345 votes, gaining 55% of the votes. A non-party candidate has filed to run against Davis in the November election.

Davis is in her ninth year representing the 6th ward. The council president oversees the bi-weekly meetings and becomes mayor should the position be vacated — but otherwise has little power. Davis hopes the recently appointed charter review commission can have the president become more involved with the mayor — and if not, she may look to eliminate the position.

“Because as it is, you don’t need someone who’s not a part of the actual body of council just to chair two meetings a month,” Davis said.

Janet Tarpley, who previously served as the 6th ward councilperson before Davis and lost to her in the primary election two years ago due to a coin toss, stated that she would consider taking over Davis' position—assuming Davis gets elected President this coming November.

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