Thursday, October 21, 2004
Nelson said he's glad to join the department, even if it's not as dog warden.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- David Nelson should soon be working at the Mahoning County dog pound, but not as dog warden.
County commissioners were expected to hire the longtime area humane agent today as a deputy dog warden. Sean Toohey, a former deputy dog warden who was laid off in April 2003 because of budget cuts, also was to be hired.
Connie Pierce, county human resources director, said both will be paid $12 per hour.
Commissioner Ed Reese said the hirings are to fill vacancies created when two longtime employees recently retired from the department.
No successor
Nelson was one of more than 30 people who applied earlier this year to be the county dog warden, and was among the five finalists for the job that became vacant when Carol Markovich retired May 31. Commissioners have yet to hire a successor, and Reese said they probably won't.
"I think things are just going to stay like they are until the new administration comes in and they can do what they want," Reese said.
There will be two new commissioners next year because Reese and Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock are not seeking re-election when their terms expire Dec. 31.
Reese said Michael Fox, who was named interim dog warden immediately after Markovich retired, will most likely remain in that position through the end of the year.
Fox, who has been with the department for nearly 30 years, also applied to be dog warden and made the top five.
Pleased with job
Nelson, who has been supported for dog warden by Sherlock and several local veterinarians and animal activists, said he is happy to be joining the department, even though it's not as dog warden.
"I like being on the road. I like the [law] enforcement part of the job," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting into something new."
Nelson said he has enjoyed being humane agent at Animal Charities for 15 years, but said the stress of answering nearly 48,000 calls has left him ready for a change.
He's hoping to work with Fox on implementing new policies and procedures at the dog pound to make it more efficient.
"I know he is open-minded and willing to look at things," Nelson said of Fox. He said if the dog warden's position becomes available again in the future, he will probably apply.
Sherlock said she's glad to see Nelson being hired, but she is disappointed that he didn't get the top job.
"He'll be hired to follow orders, not to implement policy," Sherlock said.
Sherlock made a motion to hire Nelson as dog warden in September, but Reese and Commissioner David Ludt voted against it.
bjackson@vindy.com