Canfield residents should question new township hall

Canfield residents should question new township hall

EDITOR:

Upon returning from a recent extended trip I spent my first day catching up on the local news in my accumulated Vindicators. I was overwhelmed with the intense coverage of events in Canfield Township particularly Trustee Bill Reese and his new Township Hall having a lower level “meeting room”, with the clandestine goal of renting it out the public in the future. Most trustee meetings have an attendance of less then 10 and on those rare occasions there is always McMahon Hall at Mill Creek Metroparks adjacent to the fairgrounds, already paid for.

Residents are not aware of wasting of at least $700,000 for this design on Herbert Road. This waste is due to the costs of constructing this lower level “meeting room” along with utility costs approaching $200,000, a 1,300 foot drive to it and 100 car parking, none of which would be required at Messerly Road.

Trustees Randy Brashen and former Trustee Paul Moracco have expressed their concurrence of Messerly Road as a more fiscally responsible location with an existing preliminary one floor plan having a “meeting room” for 66 people, office space for 10 people and trustee office/conference space. In addition Messerly Road is more centrally located for the residents and adjacent to the township road building, thus consolidating all services. A major selling point mentioned was being “able to see the stacks in Warren”. Who cares?? The Township Hall is for business not sightseeing. The budget is now up to $1.5 million, even though the architect’s contract calls for a construction budget of $900,000.

Informal dialogue indicates that since the funding does not come from property taxes, the trustees claim resident participation and approval are not necessary. I disagree, regardless of the source of the funds the trustees are answerable to the residents and should expose (through well publicized public meetings) the project and location to the voters. Then, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code, this “Town Hall” plant should be submitted for a referendum vote for final approval by all residents. I have repeatedly respectfully requested the trustees to obtain a written legal opinion from the county prosecutor’s office and show it to the residents either validating the trustees actions to date or confirming the right of the residents to participate and approve by referendum vote. These requests have been ignored, What are they afraid of?

Food for thought: The operating and maintenance costs will have to be covered by property taxes, as they are now.

We have been refused access to progress drawings (even though the Trustees have authorized Final Bid drawings) that would let the residents see what they are buying before it is too late.

Canfield Township residents should attend the next trustees’ meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Township Hall on the Village Green. Ask questions, get answers and make sure your tax dollars and other township cash assets are being expended appropriately and with fiscal responsibility.

DANIEL VICTOR BIENKO

Canfield

A story of sacrifice

EDITOR:

John Goodwin’s outstanding article on Dr. Robert Marx showed that his military service in Iraq is a “labor of love” that requires a great deal of personal sacrifice. Dr. Marx’s military career is unlike most traditional military officers and he views it as opportunity to learn more to help others. His Iraq tour was no “picnic” by any means. I admire his willingness to serve and our community is lucky to have him.

BARRY E. LANDGRAVER

Youngstown

X The writer is executive director and veterans service officer for the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission.