Decision 2012: Mahoning Valley's local issues and races on the - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - We're just hours away from Election Day, and while the Presidential race is clearly the one dominating the air waves, there are a number of other important issues and races on the ballot critical to local communities.

Twelve school levies dominate the ballot in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

The Poland School District has had three failed levy attempts and Dan Dailey, the interim superintendent, says they're headed for fiscal emergency if the 5.9-mill levy proposed this time isn't approved by voters.

"It's a critical, critical issue for Poland. The phrase that I try to get out there is that if this levy fails the community of Poland will not recognize their public schools next year. The cuts will be dramatic," Dailey said.

Along with Poland, six other districts are asking for additional money through levies including Boardman, Jackson-Milton, Springfield, Champion, Mathews and Brookfield.

The Springfield School District also has a bond issue on the ballot; Brookfield Schools have an income tax issue, while Youngstown, South Range, Howland, Jackson-Milton and Joseph Badger Schools all have renewal levies up for consideration.

In Liberty, township residents will be asked to approve two new levies. A one-year, 0.45-mill levy to help pay the cost of transferring Liberty's 911 operations to Trumbull County and a 1.25-mill additional levy to repair and repave roads and bridges in the township.

The communities of Canfield and Youngstown have charter amendments on the ballot. For the city of Youngstown it includes eliminating term limits for the mayor.

The political races to watch include, the 7th District Court of Appeals contest between Appeals Court Judge Mary DeGenaro, who has served on the bench since 2001, and her challenger, Attorney Mark Hanni who has launched an aggressive door-to-door and commercial campaign.

Longtime lawmaker and Democrat Ron Gerberry is running to retain his seat in the 59th House District against newcomer and Republican Kim Poma. And Republican State Representative Craig Newbold is being challenged by Democrat Nick Barborak for the 1st House District seat that represents Columbiana County.