Traficanti takes the lead in securing future of Oakhill

Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti's unwavering support of county government's takeover of Oakhill Renaissance Place, formerly Southside Medical Center, and his refusal to be deterred by detractors are worthy of public praise. Traficanti has shown himself to be a leader on this issue.
After all, until he stepped forward and let it be known that Renaissance Place's closing was not an option, the future of the campus was bleak, indeed. There has been talk of some private investor making a bid for it, but there are too many unknowns associated with such a move.
On the other hand, Traficanti envisions the county not only owning the complex and assuming responsibility for a $450,000 loan from the Ohio Department of Development to Southside Community Development Corp., but he and Commissioner David Ludt are committed to moving various government agencies to that location.
Traficanti and Ludt voted Thursday for a resolution that expresses the county's intention to assume the ODOD loan. Commissioner John McNally voted no. The measure was sought by Lucas Ward, an assistant attorney general. The attorney general's office is handling the loan because SCDC, the nonprofit entity which bought the building from Forum Health for $1, has filed for bankruptcy. The state has the only lien on the property.
Youngstown's revival
We are confident that Attorney General Jim Petro, a Republican who has enjoyed widespread support in the predominantly Democratic Mahoning Valley, will understand the importance of Mahoning County government taking over Renaissance Place. Petro is well aware of the challenges confronting the city of Youngstown and can be expected to do what is in the best interest of the community.
Paving the way for Mahoning County government to take possession of Renaissance Place is in the best interest of the community. Why? Because Traficanti and Ludt have been publicly committed to relocating the Jobs and Family Services and the Child Support Enforcement Agency from McGuffey Plaza on the East Side and have said that Renaissance would house the board of commissioners' office and other administrative agencies.
On the other hand, if the county fails in its takeover bid, Traficanti has made it clear that the commissioners would explore the feasibility of constructing a new building downtown to accommodate the scattered agencies and offices. In other words, a private owner would not have access to those leases.
And without that income, the challenge to generate enough revenue to meet the expenses associated with the operation of the campus will be enormous.
Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams has given his blessing to the Traficanti plan, while community leaders have offered their assistance in making it a reality. The state should follow suit.