BOARDMAN 6 seek 2 trustee seats

Both incumbents are looking to control traffic.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Six candidates, including two incumbents, have tossed their hats into the ring hoping to secure one of two township trustee seats.
Trustees John Cox and Thomas Costello are seeking re-election. Cox has been a township trustee since 1990 and Costello has served since 1999.
Other candidates are Kathy Miller, 154 Creston Drive; Paul E. Shovlin, 129 Forest Hill; Samuel M. Moffie, 4180 Lockwood Boulevard; Jason A. Vantell, 372 Afton Ave.
Both incumbents cite traffic as one of the major areas of concern for township officials. They say a continuing relationship with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the county engineer's office is needed to control the traffic situation. Cox also said implementing the site plan review program is also important. The initiative gives officials more leverage in dealing with vacant buildings.
Miller said an important issue is the need to develop a plan for township growth. She also said there needs to be a push to rebuild a sense of community that will encourage residents and business owners to maintain their property. Too much of the township is falling into unsightly disrepair and action is needed now before it is too late to bring back the area's true beauty, she said.
What candidate said: Shovlin, while stating there are few major issues in the township, said tighter financial controls are needed to curb spending on "fancy and maybe unnecessary things." He said the township's surplus of funds should be reserved for the future. He cites the cost of looking for a new police chief and a survey to determine future fire department needs as unnecessary spending.
Moffie said some of the key issues facing township officials are lowering citizens' energy cost, controlling traffic congestion and televising township government via the school system. He also takes issue with some issues concerning Cox's campaign finances from previous campaigns.
As for priorities, Cox said with home rule now in place, he is looking to change the funding status for the township in the gas tax distribution and workers' compensation rates. He is hoping the township will be able to use the same formula as cities and villages.
Costello said it is important to provide quality services for all township residents. As an example, he looks to his ongoing work with the Western Reserve Transit Authority to provide shuttle service to the mall from the government center during the holiday season.
Miller said creating an economic development committee to develop a clear plan for economic development in the township would be her top priority.
A priority for Shovlin would be adding a new fire station in the southern portion of the township and implementation of strict controls on spending. Moffie would make efforts to lower heating and fuel costs his priority.