There's no reason to rush to find new administrator

Mahoning County commissioners should take their time finding a permanent replacement for Gary Kubic, who is leaving his position as county administrator after a decade of exemplary service. With all the challenges county government will confront in the next several years, it is essential that the commissioners find the right person for the job.
Coming up with a clear definition of right must be the first order of business.
We agree with commissioners David Ludt and Vicki Allen Sherlock that a national search should remain an option -- despite commissioner Ed Reese's contention that the county can't afford it. Reese believes that Joseph Caruso, the county's special projects director and a former Liberty Township administrator, is qualified to succeed Kubic.
Caruso may well have the credentials and may well emerge as the top candidate for the job, but it would be foolhardy for the commissioners not to determine whether there is anyone else who may have something more to offer.
National searches are essential in showing how a local favorite candidate stacks up against individuals from other parts of the state or country. (Our recent failure to prevail with that same argument regarding the hiring of a Youngstown school superintendent doesn't mean we weren't right.)
Ten years ago, when the position of county administrator was created, a search committee was formed. It consisted of the commissioners at the time, Tom Carney, David Engler and Frank Lordi; the former administrator of Montgomery County, Claude Malone; county Auditor George Tablack; and Reese, who chaired the panel.
There were 201 applications, from which seven finalists were selected. Kubic's familiarity with the Mahoning Valley and his experience as the city of Youngstown's finance director gave him the edge.
Interim appointment
The screening process worked then, and it can work now. Commissioners Reese, Sherlock and Ludt could name Caruso interim administrator while a national search is being conducted. But if it is determined that the county cannot afford to lose the special projects director, then we would suggest that the administrator's position remain vacant.
The commissioners should not be averse to shouldering some of the load now being carried by Kubic.
Another reason for not rushing to fill the job is the fact that Reese has announced he will not seek re-election next year. With an early primary next year -- it will be held in March -- there would be no harm in seeking the input from both the Democratic and Republican nominees as to what qualifications and experience Mahoning County's next administrator should possess.
Tough economic times are on the horizon, and Kubic's successor must be someone who has navigated in such stormy weather.