Mahoning County needs a qualified dog warden

With Mahoning County facing financial disaster if voters refuse to pass a 0.5 percent sales tax in the November general election, commissioners can ill afford to anger taxpayers. But that's exactly what Edward Reese, Vicki Allen Sherlock and David Ludt will do if they fill the important position of dog warden with someone who is clearly not qualified.
Fortunately, there are three strong contenders for the job and only they warrant serious consideration. Michael L. Fox has been with the department for 28 years and was appointed by the commissioners to serve as interim dog warden when Carol Markovich retired May 31 after 14 years at the helm. John C. Klenec has been with the department since December 2000. And David W. Nelson is the humane agent for Animal Charities of Ohio and the first person many local governments and area residents call when there are emergencies relating to animals.
Lack of qualifications
Two other applicants who were placed on the list of finalists by Reese do not have the qualifications or experience to be the county's chief animal control officer. Reese would not explain why he chose to include deputy sheriff Thomas DeGenova and Daniel J. Martin, owner and operator of the Mill Creek Deli and a former assistant clerk of Youngstown Municipal Court, over all the other applicants, but it really does not matter.
In the end, the commissioners will realize what is at stake in the filling of this job and will make the right decision. We trust.