COMMISSIONERS Candidates divided over sales tax

The two candidates take different views on whether a sales tax increase should have been imposed.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Columbiana County's fiscal future is on the minds of both men seeking a county commissioners seat.
Voters next month will have a choice between two experienced officeholders for the job.
Dave Cranmer is the Democratic incumbent commissioner and is making his first bid for re-election to the post.
He's being challenged by county Recorder Gary Williams, a Republican who's launching his first attempt at a commissioners seat.
With commissioners' decision in late June to impose a 0.5 percent sales tax, county officials say county government is poised to crawl out of a fiscal hole that created a financial crisis earlier this year. The county was on the verge of being the first county in Ohio to be placed by the state on fiscal emergency status.
The county already has a 1 percent sales tax. The 0.5 percent increase is expected to bring the county about $3 million annually in revenue.
The vote
Cranmer was one of the two county commissioners who voted to impose the tax. The other was Sean Logan. Commissioner Jim Hoppel voted against the imposition.
Cranmer said he stands by his decision.
"I felt I was doing my job," he said.
But Williams is critical of the move.
"Citizens should have the right to vote on taxes," Williams said. "Imposing taxes only makes voters mad, and creates more mistrust and distrust of county government," he added.
Both men said they would favor eventually asking county residents to approve a permanent, 1 percent sales tax.
Goals
Cranmer, a former Salem firefighter, cited keeping the county moving forward as his goal, if re-elected.
His strengths, he said, include hands-on experience in managing the county budget, and his ability to work with officeholders and the general public.
If voters keep him on for another four-year term, Cranmer said he wants to focus on expanding county water and sewer systems.
Williams cited his nearly 25 years of experience in politics as one of his key attributes.
He has served as county recorder for about 20 months. Prior to that he was a Madison Township trustee and clerk. He was also a teacher and administrator in the Beaver Local School District.
If elected commissioner, Williams said he will concentrate on helping county departments live within their budgets.