Police union applauds efforts

COLUMBIANA -- The city police union applauds Councilman Don Leonard in his efforts to improve accountability among the council and administration, Patrolman Chris Dailey said. Leonard questions city administrators at each council meeting and regularly asks for status reports on projects.
Dailey is a spokesman for the full-time police and dispatchers represented by the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.
He said the union would like to see the council work in committees, particularly in the area of city finances.
Dailey said the councils of most surrounding communities work in committees, a practice union members believe would create even greater accountability.
The union issued a press release June 5 stating its members had taken a unanimous vote of no confidence in city manager Keith Chamberlin and finance director Mary Louise Dicken.
Citing several examples since 1999, the union has said the city spent money on consultants and other services that could have paid for police salaries and equipment.