Hoppel, Traina worthy of Columbiana County’s nod

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Penny Traina

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Jim Hoppel

Over the next four years, Columbiana County could experience the best of times and the worst of times — which is why this is not the time to make changes in the commissioners’ office.

Incumbents Jim Hoppel, a Republican, and Penny Traina, a Democrat, are on the Nov. 4 general election ballot; there is no reason for county voters not to support them.

Hoppel, completing his third four-year term, has served with distinction and has a firm grip on the reins of government. He has been on the front lines of the county’s fiscal battles, has not backed down from his goal of reducing the cost of government and has been directly involved in numerous economic development and capital improvement projects.

He is being challenged by Democrat Brenda Dickey Myers of Salem. Myers did not respond to an invitation to appear before The Vindicator’s editorial board and, therefore, is not being considered for endorsement.

But an objective evaluation of this race leads to conclusion that Hoppel’s experience is essential for what awaits Columbiana County in the years to come.

Traina, who was appointed commissioner in January 2007, has proved to be a quick study, a dedicated officeholder and an individual who understands the need for cooperation, not only with her two colleagues on the board, but with other officeholders in and out of county government.

Indeed, her active role in the proposed $6 billion coal-to-liquid fuel project in Wellsville speaks volumes about her instincts when it comes to job-creation and development.

Challengers

Traina is being challenged by Republican Becky Burke and Gregory A. Shaffer, an independent. Shaffer did not come in for an interview; Burke did, and while she displayed an understanding of county government and its budget, she surprised us with her dismissive attitude toward the incumbent’s tenure.

Burke’s contention that Traina has only been responsible for two insignificant grants that were used to spruce up the grounds of the county courthouse was not supported by Hoppel, a member of her party.

The veteran commissioner heaped praise on Traina for the way she has performed her duties over the past 21 months. Hoppel also took exception to Burke’s view that there is fat in county government’s budget that can be cut.

Indeed, next year the 1 percent sales tax will be up for renewal, and the message from the commissioners is straightforward: We’ve made government lean and efficient and would urge you, the taxpayers, to support the renewal of the tax.

This is important not only for the financial stability of the county, but because of the coal liquefaction project that is on the horizon.

If everything goes according the plan and the private developers are able to secure funding, it will be up to local, state and the federal governments to do their share.

The major user of the fuel would be the Air Force, which this region’s congressmen and state officials, led by Gov. Ted Strickland, are lobbying aggressively.

Thousands of jobs would be created, increasing the demand for housing.

Failure of the 1 percent sales tax would put Columbiana County through the worst of times. Construction and, ultimately, production at the Baard Energy plant would allow the area to celebrate the best of times.

Hoppel’s experience and Traina’s intimate knowledge of the project make them invaluable to county government.

They have The Vindicator’s support.