Shields, Yemma stand out in Struthers council battle

In the contest for the Democratic nomination for the three at-large Struthers City Council seats, one incumbent chose not to seek The Vindicator's endorsement, while the other is running for mayor in the May 8 primary.
That left us with three candidates seeking our support: Jerry L. Shields, who has served nine two-year terms as a legislator, including three as a councilman-at-large; Daniel R. Yemma, who is completing his fourth term as 3rd Ward councilman; and, Michael S. Patrick, who has run unsuccessfully for council.
Of the three, Shields and Yemma stand out as thoughtful, dedicated officeholders who have a feel for the city of Struthers that is important, given the challenges it faces.
They also are strong supporters of Mayor Daniel Mamula, who received our endorsement in his re-election bid. Mamula is being challenged by Terry Stocker, currently an at-large councilman.
We believe that the mayor needs to have legislators who share his vision, but are independent enough to let him know when they think he's on the wrong track.
Patrick earns our respect for appearing before the editorial board to explain his candidacy, but we are less than impressed with one of the main planks in his platform, namely, that Mayor Mamula tends to be rude to people who disagree with him.
Stocker offered a similar assessment of Mamula. It should be pointed out that Patrick is supporting Stocker.
It is unfortunate that Councilman-at-Large Ronald Mathews, who has served since 1996, chose not to come in for an interview. We were looking forward to hearing his assessment of the city of Struthers. His failure to show means he cannot be considered for our endorsement.
But, Shields and Yemma get our enthusiastic support because they clearly understand what a community like Struthers must do to not only provide for the health, safety and welfare of its residents, but to expand its tax base.
Brownfields initiative
Their understanding of the city's brownfields initiative -- both Shields and Yemma agree with the mayor that the owners of AstroShapes are important participants -- and their intimate knowledge of the city's finances make them valuable assets.
The voters of Struthers would be ensuring continued progress with these individuals representing all the residents, as opposed to just those in the individual wards.
Indeed, Yemma's decision not to seek re-election as 3rd Ward councilman -- he would have had the advantage in the race -- suggests that he wants to play a greater role in the development of citywide policies dealing with such important issues as economic development.
Shields, who says that the mayor is doing a "wonderful job," is seeking another term because there are "still things I would like to get done."
One of his priorities is to find a solution to the city's rising health care obligation. The councilman would like to see the state of Ohio develop a program for local governments similar to the one he says benefits major employers like General Motors' Lordstown plant and Delphi Packard Electric.
In his interview with Vindicator writers, Patrick displayed an understanding of the inner workings of city government -- he regularly attends council meetings -- but he seemed overly preoccupied with the form of government rather than the substance.
We leave it up to the voters to decide whether Patrick would make a good councilman-at-large.
On the other hand, we urge the nomination of Shields and Yemma.