Resolution calls for American steel in public projects

The resolution will be used as a prototype for consideration by other counties.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- County commissioners say that using imported steel for projects in Mahoning County is a slap in the face to local Steelworkers and that they won't stand for it.
Commissioners passed a resolution today promoting the use of American-made steel in projects funded by local tax dollars.
"I don't want taxpayers' dollars to be used for foreign steel that puts our people out of work," said Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock. "That is an insult to our Steelworkers, and it won't happen in this county. Absolutely not."
The resolution comes on the heels of state legislation that increases the fine for companies' buying foreign steel for public improvement projects, introduced by state Sen. Robert Hagan of Youngstown, D-33rd.
Hagan's bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting passage by the House of Representatives. The commissioners' resolution urges the House to pass the bill.
What's required: The resolution says projects funded through the county's community development grant program must use domestic steel, not foreign, Sherlock said. Communities must sign an agreement to that effect, she said.
Those who violate the agreement by using foreign steel will have to pay back the grant and will be cut out of future funding, she said.
The community development grant program is funded by revenue from a 0.5 percent county sales tax. Since it's public money, commissioners can regulate how it's used, Sherlock said.
Sherlock said commissioners also will require that American steel be used in all projects the county funds and builds for its own use.
Reaction: Mike Rubicz, president of United Steelworkers Local 1375 in Warren, said it's an important step toward preventing further erosion of the American steel industry. He said Steelworkers will use Mahoning County's resolution as a prototype to present to other counties for consideration.
"I think this kind of local action shows the sense of the community," Rubicz said. Local 1375 represents employees at WCI Steel and the LTV coke plant, Rubicz said.
Larry Long, president of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, said he's heard a lot of talk among county commissioners statewide about passing similar legislation, but none have done it.
Inspector: Commissioners also were expected to authorize payment of $799 to John Beilhart Jr. of Leetonia, who is the county's apiary inspector.
Beilhart was hired last year to fill the position that had been vacant for some two years. Last week he complained that he had not been paid for any of the work he did last summer.
County Administrator Gary Kubic, apologizing for the delay, said the problem was confusion between commissioners and the auditor's office over whether Beilhart was a contract employee or a full-time county worker.
"We want him to stay on the job because he's a good guy and has done a really good job," Kubic said. He said commissioners will consider Beilhart a county employee this year so the problem won't happen again.