Changes afoot in Boardman

Changes afoot in Boardman
EDITOR:
Last November, Boardman residents voted for change and I was elected Boardman Township trustee by an overwhelming margin. I appreciate all of the support and confidence voters have in me to implement what I set forth in my campaign.
Many residents have expressed interest in the activities and developments within the administration of the township since I took office in January. I also want to clarify misinformation that has been disseminated by those who would have preferred to maintain the status quo.
Over the past four months, I have examined the workings of the township government and I learned that our public safety forces and road department are doing an excellent job. I was most interested in assessing the true state of the township's finances. To my disappointment and surprise, I came to learn that the township's finances are worse than I had imagined. If we don't take action soon, services and jobs will need to be cut.
The voters put in a new management team because they wanted change. Other elected officials change their management team immediately upon entering office. We see that at a national level and we saw it at a local level when Mayor Jay Williams was elected. In Youngstown, outgoing department heads seemed to accept the change; employees did not organize or demonstrate against the inevitable.
The township employees need to work with the trustees. I believe we have some of the best people working for the township. The trustees put a large amount of confidence in their administrator who is responsible for negotiating labor contracts, among other things. Labor costs account for the largest percentage of the township's budget. After a long three months of working with our last administrator, I found I could not rely on the information he was giving me. When the trustees lose confidence in the administrator, a change is necessary.
Boardman Township has an annual operating budget of nearly $20 million. The fiscal officer, Mr. Leicht, has stated many times that Boardman Township operates at a $2 million deficit per year. What has saved the township from fiscal emergency is the unanticipated receipt of large amounts of inheritance tax, which can't be counted on going into the future. Before going to the voters for an additional levy, I believe the trustees must trim the size of our government, run as efficiently as we can, and cut costs wherever possible.
Many positive things have occurred in the township since I have taken office. At the first meeting of the year, an audit committee was formed after years of recommendations for the same by the state auditor's office. We are examining take home cars and what they really cost the township. The township cell phone bill has been reduced by about 18 percent by shopping for price without breaking the current contracts. Because I inquired, a county grant will pay for township equipment, saving Boardman taxpayers $15,995. We are preparing to change phone service packages which will also save money. These are just a few of the many changes we will make to save money.
There has been a firestorm of controversy created by special interest groups and the "old guard," which had been in control for over 20 years. They are having a hard time with the fact that they lost the election, that nepotism will not be tolerated, and that the days of liberal spending are over. At the end of the day, Boardman residents will know that I worked to contain costs, plan for our future, and make Boardman a better place to live for everyone.
Atty. ROBYN GALLITTO, chair
Boardman Township Trustees
How peaceful are we?
EDITOR:
Since 1941, the United States, by my count, has been involved in nine armed conflicts. That is about one every seven years. Every president that I have known of in my 70 years on the planet has stated that we are a "peaceful nation." The facts prove different.
Going to war because we have to is one thing; going because we want to is another. I served, my father served, and my son retires from the regular Army on May 31, 2006. Stop the madness. Stop President Bush
RICHARD BAILEY
Niles