After six years, the longest, continuously running, non-commercial, political message board in Mahoning Valley history is taking a break. The Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts voted to take down its Message Board.

The organization has always been determined to keep the discussion on the Message Board free flowing and appropriate. The task was daunting and required an inordinate amount of time. From day one there have been those, for their own political agendae, who have tried to sabotage the Message Board. They always failed. Thousands of people flocked to the Message Board.

The Board, as it was affectionately known throughout the community, attracted a large following and a diverse group of people, from media to public officials and those interested in politics, will be disappointed by this decision. However, the burden of monitoring the board 24/7 became too difficult.

The unclaimed funds, the credit card scandal, the late utility payments, the problems with the jail, campaign financing and a host of other issues were exposed by the Board. The political issues of the day were discussed and dissected like no other place in the valley. The fact that the Board became so popular was a tribute to the monitors who tried to referee the discussions and to the visitors and posters who let their voices be heard.

In fairness, it had its shortcomings. The vicious personal attacks that unfortunately are often the hallmarks of Mahoning Valley politics, particularly the politics of the past, made it difficult to maintain. But overall the public resoundingly responded to the appeal of the Board.

In a community that is so politically active it is odd that there are so few blogs, message boards or other venues to discuss politics. We hope someone will fill the void. More information, not less, more openness in government, not less, more discourse, not less can only be beneficial to a community. Those in politics should embrace such openness and accountability.

If you have an issue or information that you feel should be discussed or considered by the Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts, please e-mail the organization at info@dems17.org or mail us at 600 First National Tower, Youngstown, Ohio 44503. Your communication will remain confidential. Please visit the other pages on our web site with their useful links and contact information. Who knows what the future will bring?

Thanks to the brave public employees who often posted to bring important issues to light. And thanks to the regular, loyal and crazy visitors who made the Board so popular. A special thank you to Ron Canacci. It has been a wild ride. Thanks for coming along.

- Mark Belinky