[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E466-E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   STARKS, A LEGEND IN POLITICS, DIES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I submit the following.

[[Page E467]]

                 Starks, ``a Legend in Politics,'' Dies

                           By David Skolnick

       Even though Herman ``Pete'' Starks last held office in 
     1985, he remained a local political force. Starks, 80, died 
     Sunday.
       The local political icon served 22 years as the city's 2nd 
     Ward councilman, representing most of the East side. Sparks 
     spent 17 of those years as chairman of the council's powerful 
     finance committee.
       ``He was very instrumental in my campaign,'' said 
     Councilman DeMaine Kitchen, D-2nd, elected in 2007. ``He was 
     a sounding board for my campaign. He was a legend in politics 
     in the Mahoning Valley.''
       Starks was elected to his first two-year term on council in 
     1963. When he was re-elected in 1973, he became the first 
     person to serve six consecutive terms as a representative of 
     any ward in the city.
       Starks was elected 11 straight times before opting not to 
     run for his council seat in 1985. Instead, Starks ran for 
     mayor that year, losing the Democratic Primary to Patrick 
     Ungaro.
       Ungaro served on council with Starks for six years as 
     council president. Ungaro was elected mayor in 1983, serving 
     14 years in the capacity, and is Liberty Township's 
     administrator.
       ``We fought like cats and dogs, but we shook hands when we 
     were done,'' Ungaro said. ``He was a dominant person in 
     government. Even after Pete left office, his influence was 
     enormous and overwhelming with council. He was still the 
     person you had to work with.''
       James E. Fortune Sr., a former 24-year council member, 
     served six of those years with Starks.
       ``He was a teacher,'' Fortune said, ``I learned so much 
     from Pete, particularly about finances. When he was on 
     council, he was practically the leader of the city. We had 
     the utmost respect for him.''
       George M. McKelvey, a former 3rd Ward councilman and eight-
     year mayor, started his political career sitting next to 
     Starks at council meetings.
       ``I am, still to this day impressed with his knowledge,'' 
     he said. ``When he talked, I listened. His best qualities 
     were his loyalty and honesty. With Pete Starks, his word was 
     his bond.''
       When Jay Williams announced he was running for mayor in 
     2005, Starks called him.
       ``He said, `You're going to be mayor,' '' said Williams, 
     who won that race and was reelected to a second four-year 
     term last year. ``He said it so matter of fact like the sun 
     will come up tomorrow.''
       Williams said Starks ``was never shy about offering his 
     advice and perspective. You always knew where Pete stood.''
       Councilman Jamael Tito Brown, D-3rd, and currently chairman 
     of the finance committee, said the would speak with Starks 
     from time to time about city finances.
       ``He was legendary in the city,'' Brown said. ``He was 
     still on top of things in city government'' before his death.
       Funeral arrangements being handled by L.E. Black Phillips & 
     Holden.

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