Retheford reflects on 8 years as Youngtown councilwoman

Lucille Retheford has some advice for Judy Johnson, who will replace the longtime Youngtown councilwoman next week.

"It's important that she studies and evaluates everything, then vote with a conscience," Retheford said. "You must take a solemn oath to follow the rules of Youngtown and do what's in the best interest for our residents."

The 87-year-old will retire from the Youngtown Common Council June 3, after eight years and two terms.

"I'm going to miss being right there in the middle of the scoop," Retheford said. "But this doesn't mean that I'm gone for good because I'll still be around."

In addition to her work as a councilwoman, Retheford founded the Youngtown Historical Society and has been involved with the Community Fund and Civic Association.

"I love this town and have always been willing to work and serve," Retheford said.

In the early 1970s, Retheford and her husband, Henry, moved to the retirement community, which eventually lost its age-overlay status.

Retheford said she slowly got involved with activities in Youngtown but stayed away from politics at her husband's request.

"My husband always looked at politicians as being criticized no matter what, and he told me that he didn't think he could handle people criticizing me," she said.

After her husband died in 2000, Retheford chose to run for a council seat the following year. She won.

"I've loved being on the council, even though there were some good times and rough ones," she said.

There were times when Retheford said she felt disillusioned about the council and thought about stepping down from local politics.

"I thought about resigning during the streak of a bad mayor and the turmoil with the city manager, but I had to stand my ground," Retheford said.

Former Mayor Bryan Hackbarth, former Vice Mayor Patricia Champagne, and former Councilmen John Weigund and Michael Leija voted to fire former City Manager Mark Fooks. Retheford and two other council members opposed the firing, resulting in a recall election that ousted Hackbarth, Champagne and Weigund.

Current Mayor Michael LeVault defeated Hackbarth in the election.

"We had so much strife going on, and I was so concerned about money being spent that shouldn't have when (Hackbarth) was here," Retheford said.

Youngtown Town Manager Lloyce Robinson said Retheford always has been a prepared council member.

"She's a gracious lady with strength who stands strong on her opinions," Robinson said.

With LeVault as mayor and new council members, Retheford said she has no problems stepping down.

"We have some really talented people who care about this community, and I know that I'm leaving it in such great hands," she said. "That doesn't mean that we've always agreed on everything, but we work together to help better our town."

The retired industrial engineer, who's originally from New York, said most people sit back and enjoy the leisure life, but she chose another path.

"I've worked all my life, and I know that I'm not comfortable just sitting down somewhere," she said. "I might be leaving the council, but I'm not leaving Youngtown."