Austintown doesn't need to be stymied by clashes

Lisa L. Oles insists that she can be a team player if she is elected to the Austintown Board of Trustees, but when asked why she is seeking the office, here's what she said: "[In] my opinion, our current leadership is arrogant and self-serving and the people of this township need representation. We are long overdue for diversity on the board, and I am taking the stand that 'The Good Ole' Boy' network will no longer control our community, the people will."
Considering that the "current leadership" features David Ditzler, Warren "Bo" Pritchard and Rich E. Edwards, what team would Oles be playing on should she defeat Edwards in the Nov. 4 nonpartisan election?
Does she really believe that Ditzler and Pritchard would readily grin and bear the moniker "arrogant and self-serving" and invite her to join "The Good Ole' Boy" network?
Here's the rest of her answer to the question regarding her candidacy: "I am up against the 'machine' in Austintown Township who do not believe that women have a place in politics; however, I am certain I can do a better job representing the people, addressing their concerns and have a passion for uniting our community."
Oles a unifier? Hardly.
By contrast, Edwards, who was elected in 2001 to serve out the two years remaining on former Trustee Kenneth Carano's term, has demonstrated an ability to work with the other two trustees and other government officials and has emerged as a thoughtful officeholder.
His answer to the question "What is your priority if elected?" reveals an insight into government that is important.
Labor negotiations
"My priority ... is to correct the financial picture of the township. One of the problems that must be addressed for Austintown, and all other townships, is the current method of labor negotiations. This system is weighted in favor of government employees and gives little room for townships to negotiate fairly."
It is a complaint heard around the state, but few politicians are willing to talk about it so openly on the campaign trail.
Edwards is a businessman who is attempting to do what the voters in Austintown have been demanding for a long time: That government be run like a business. But to accomplish that, the trustees must address this bitter truth: Eighty-seven percent of the township's budget goes for wages and benefits.
That is why the incumbent is so insistent on addressing the inequities in the contract negotiation process.
Two years ago, we endorsed Edwards over Oles, saying he had demonstrated a strong grasp of township finances. We made the right decision then.
Oles' populist campaign disturbs us because the problems confronting a township the size of a small city cannot be solved with sound bites and a pledge to "let the people decide what is best for our community." That isn't leadership.
The Vindicator urges residents of Austintown to give Edwards a full four-year term.