Finances, dialogue top agenda for Girard council candidates

By John w. Goodwin jr.

GIRARD — Four contestants are seeking three at-large seats on council here in the May 5 primary, with finances and better communication between council and the administration on each candidate’s agenda.

Incumbents Brian Kren and Joseph Shelby are seeking re-election along with former Councilmen Dan Moadus and Louis Adovasio.

Shelby could not be reached for comment, but the remaining candidates discussed the city’s placement in state-imposed fiscal emergency, an ongoing deficit in the water fund and issues that have arisen between council and the city administration.

Adovasio said the most-pressing issue the city faces concerns finances. He said voters need to consider putting a team of council members together who can work together in an effort to get the most out of every tax dollar.

Moadus said the city cannot begin to do anything in the way of improvements until it address problems with the city administration — what he sees as a major problem.

“The biggest issue in the city is the mayor’s unwillingness to work with council. Council, to him. is a part-time nuisance, and that hurts the city,” he said.

Moadus uses recent issues concerning the city’s water department, where he said the administration was less than forthcoming with information concerning a deficit in the water fund for that department, as a basis for his argument.

Kren said it is important to recognize the money issues in the city and the perceived communication void between council and the administration. He said the key is electing someone who can bridge the financial and professional gap — something he feels he is equipped to do.

“We are still under fiscal emergency, and the water fund is a major area of concern. Who is best suited to work with all parties to move this city forward? We need people who can work together with council, the administration and the [state] fiscal commission,” Kren said. “We’ve got a lot of serious issues in the town, and shouting or pointing fingers may get names in the paper, but it won’t solve our problems.”

In the way of goals, Moadus said he will push for a deeper inclusion of council in affairs he says the administration is not open to sharing. He also said he will work hard to make all city issues known and open to the public.

Adovasio said he would like to restore the preventive maintenance program on city equipment and infrastructure as a means of saving money in the future and work on creating a water treatment plant at the Girard Lakes. His biggest priority, however, is to get the city out of fiscal emergency.

Kren also said emergence from fiscal emergency is one of his biggest priorities along with addressing blight in areas around the city.

He said continued fair but strict zoning regulations along with the use of a recently implemented nuisance abatement ordinance for crime are the keys to addressing blight and crime.

Another contested race in the city is Kenneth W. Cross Sr. challenging incumbent Thomas F. Grumley for the 4th Ward council seat.

jgoodwin@vindy.com