Feud over Trumbull auditor reflects poorly on officials

Why would Trumbull County commissioners Daniel Polivka and James Tsagaris appoint as auditor an individual who does not meet all the requirements for the job?
That question looms today as sparks fly over the naming of Linda Sypert, the county's information services director, to succeed David Hines, who resigned as auditor in mid-December. Commissioner Paul Heltzel, a former county prosecutor, voted against Sypert's hiring on the grounds that she was not bonded to perform the duties of chief financial officer of the county.
Heltzel said that without bonding, Sypert would be unable to conduct certain transactions. His opinion was confirmed by James Misocky, an assistant county prosecutor and legal adviser to the commissioners.
So, to the question regarding the action taken by Polivka and Tsagaris, we would suggest the following answer: These two commissioners have allowed politics to influence their thinking.
Party meeting
Why politics? Because on Tuesday, the Trumbull County Democratic Party central committee is scheduled to meet to name an interim auditor. That individual will have the chance to seek a full term in the November general election.
There are two contenders for the party's nod: Adrian Biviano, who has served as chief deputy auditor for 10 years; and, Dan Sferra, former mayor of Warren and former state representative.
Earlier this week, we urged the commissioners to name Biviano to succeed Hines until the Democratic Party's meeting because his presence would ensure a seamless transition.
But Polivka and Tsagaris ignored our advice and, in naming Sypert to the position, offered the ridiculous explanation that they did not want to appear to be favoring one candidate over another with regard to the party's appointment.
Favoritism? When someone with the qualifications, experience and bonding is ready, willing and able to take over the top spot in the office with which he is intimately familiar, it's a dereliction of duty not to appoint him.
The opinion that the Democratic Party precinct committeemen and women would somehow be offended by such a sensible decision is without foundation. We are confident that party insiders are just as eager as the rest of the taxpayers to ensure that county government operates smoothly.
The decision by Polivka and Tsagaris has affected the operation of the auditor's office, as evidenced by the refusal of county officials to make title transfers Tuesday and early Wednesday until Sypert was sworn in and had arranged to be bonded.
This was a time for politicians to put politics aside and do what was in the best interest of the taxpayers. Polivka and Tsagaris failed the test.