Salem faces challenges

Salem faces challenges

It is going to take a diplomat for a mayor to navigate the waters in Salem, given all the new faces that will be on City Council and the expiration of a never-fully implemented agreement between the city and Perry Township over a joint fire district and sharing sewer and water services.

The fire department portion of the agreement was disallowed by the State Employment Relations Board, which ruled that the agreement had the effect of abrogating the city’s contract with the firefighters union. But it evolved into a bitter political dispute, and questions about how the city and township can work together on the ancillary issues remain.

Mayor Larry DeJane did not seek re-election.

The candidates

The Republican candidate is Jerry L. Wolford, owner of Salem Video Arts and Jerry’s Barber Shop and a member of the Perry Township Board of Trustees. He lives on 12th Street in the city. The Democratic nominee is Clyde A. Brown, a retiree and a member of city council who defeated four challengers in the May primary. He lives on Wilson Street.

Both men say they will work for economic development and to bring new jobs to the city. That is a formidable challenge, given that the city has very little land available for development and the Mahoning Valley has not been a magnet for new jobs.

But regardless of how difficult the job may be, it must be tackled, and it is going to demand cooperation that reaches over city, township and political party lines.

While we believe both men were sincere in saying during endorsement interviews with Vindicator editors that they intend to mend fences and pursue new opportunities for the city, Wolford inspired more confidence. The Vindicator endorses Jerry Wolford for mayor of Salem.