Consiglio wins endorsement for Trumbull County sheriff

Trumbull County voters have a choice between two veteran law enforcement officers in the race for the Democratic nomination for sheriff.
Both have devoted most or all of their adult lives to police works.
The incumbent, Thomas Altiere, 54, joined the Trumbull County Sheriff's Department as a deputy in 1974, worked there for 10 years before serving eight years as chief of the Howland Township Police Department and was elected Sheriff in 1993. He has a bachelor of science in law enforcement administration and master's degree in police management from Youngstown State University and has attended numerous law enforcement courses and seminars.
Joseph P. Consiglio, 60, also joined the sheriff's department as a deputy in 1974 and worked as a deputy and detective for five years before taking a five-year break from law enforcement to operate a catering business in Niles. He joined the Weathersfield Township Police Department in 1984 and rose through the ranks of patrolman, detective and captain before being named chief in 2002. He attended YSU and has also attended numerous professional courses and seminars.
On paper, both are strong candidates.
However, in the endorsement interviews conducted by The Vindicator, Consiglio made a stronger case for need for change at the top of the sheriff's office than Altiere made for maintaining the status quo.
The case for change
We're endorsing Consiglio because we are convinced that changes are needed in the sheriff's department and that he can effect those changes.
In recent years, a troubling pattern has been evidenced at the sheriff's department: jailers accused of sexual misconduct, a deputy who felt free to drive an unmarked cruiser to Baltimore on a private trip, a deputy who unwittingly gave access to a pistol to a young burglary suspect, who subsequently shot himself in the back of a cruiser.
Any one of those incidents on its own would be troublesome.
Consiglio also raised valid questions about possible sick leave abuse by some deputies, as shown in an average rate of sick leave that is higher than average and higher than a strong manager should accept.
Finally, troubling questions were raised about favoritism to some prisoners in the jail Specifically, there was the case of Youngstown lawyer Richard Goldberg who, during his detention as a federal prisoner being held in the Trumbull County jail was given access to a private conference room of the sheriff's office, where he met with family and friends.
The county is facing the need for greater economies and a lack of money has required cutbacks in the sheriff's department and a drastic reduction in patrols. Things could get worse before they get better.
Under those circumstances, we believe the county can best be served by change and that Consiglio's candidacy provides an opportunity to effect that change.