BOARDMAN TWP., Ohio - Boardman Optimist Club held its annual Chili Cook-Off Wednesday night, bringing local politicians out of the woodwork and into the kitchen to compete.

Mahoning County Commissioner and reigning champion, Anthony Traficanti said he looks forward to competing in the cookoff every year and commended his competitors.

His 11th year participating in the competition, Traficanti added the charity donations are the most important part of the event. Funds from the event go straight back into the Optimist Club and its community projects.

"In the end what matters is the charity portion of where these proceeds go and that's why I do this year after year," Traficanti told 21 News.

After judging concluded, Traficanti told 21 News that he had retained his reigning title as "Bes

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