Three candidates to seek Democrats' nomination

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The safety director is running for mayor, unless the mayor runs again.

SALEM — Dennis Johnson, chairman of the Columbiana County Democratic Party, laughed when asked, "What's in the water in Salem?"

Three Democrat candidates have already announced they will seek the party's nomination for mayor — in 2007.

Johnson joked Monday that he didn't know what was in the water, but he'd like to get more of it.

The primary won't be held until May, according to the county board of elections. But these candidates are, in order of their announcing, Justin Palmer, a first term at-large councilman; Alvahn Mondell, a former two-term city mayor; and Scott Cranmer, the city's safety director.

Johnson said the only candidate who had notified him of his plans was MondelI.

Mayor undecided

Incumbent Republican Mayor Larry DeJane hasn't indicated whether he will seek another term.

Palmer, a student who was elected to council after opposing the city's plan to eliminate the city fire department by creating a fire district, said that when people began to ask him is he was running, he said yes.

Then Mondell threw his hat into the ring, which prompted Cranmer to announce.

Palmer and Cranmer said they won't be campaigning until next year. Mondell couldn't be reached for comment.

Cranmer was a police officer for 281/2 years, last serving as the administrative lieutenant, or second in command. He's been the city safety director for five years and reports to the mayor. He said he would not run if DeJane seeks another term, saying he wouldn't run against someone he worked for.

Cranmer said his years of service have given him experience in government operations.

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Three candidates to seek Democrats' nomination

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