TRUMBULL COUNTY Teenager dips into politics

The aspiring politician got hooked on politics during the 2000 national election.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Unless there's a hot-button issue up for discussion at a city council meeting, those who attend are generally older folks.
But there's one young man regularly seen at the sessions and caucuses because of this teenager's interest in government and politics.
"I would like to have a vibrant future in politics," says 15-year-old Dan Havalo, who will be a Hubbard High School sophomore this year.
A son of John and Jackie Havalo of Hillsview Drive, Havalo is not only active in school as a member of the football and wrestling teams, but also is a member of Trumbull County Young Democrats and the citizens committee working toward passage of the 0.5 percent increase in the city income tax.
The issue to raise the tax from 1.0 to 1.5 percent will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.
Sparked interest
Dan began his interest in political issues four years ago. It was the closeness of the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore that sparked his interest.
"It was the first time I paid attention to the news," Dan recalled. "I realized that politics was fascinating."
Dan has already established opinions about the art of compromise: "Nobody's right in politics. It's just persuading the other guy to think your way.
"It's a mind game," he said.
Dan said that he's found that some politicians are willing to give and take for the better and some just want to have their way regardless.
In representing the youth of Hubbard on the tax committee, Dan said the city needs the increased money.
If the tax increase is approved by voters and city council puts a cap on tax credits for city residents who work outside the city, the community will receive an additional $900,000 annually.
He noted that those who receive the credit are not paying their fair share for police protection, roads and parks.
Need for funds
Without the added revenue, Dan predicts, this suburban community will become a dangerous place to live with the lack of police protection.
He noted that the cost to operate the city is increasing and job creation to increase revenue is lacking.
When Dan is reminded he can't yet vote, he points to the future.
"Hubbard will slowly die off if it doesn't get new money," he predicted.
"You have to have money to make money," Dan said, noting that there is state and federal money available to communities for projects if they can come up with the local share.
Besides his local involvement in issues, Dan is a summer intern for state Sen. Marc Dann of Liberty, D-32nd.
The two were introduced at the Hubbard Fun Fest 2004, and Dann offered him a job.
"I don't know if I'll get paid. All I know is that I'm an intern," Dan said.
As for his future, Dan is looking to hold a city political office and then will look at state offices.
"Who knows after that?" he said with confidence.
yovich@vindy.com