Specific job experience key to filling development post

If we were to characterize Congressman Tim Ryan’s comments Monday about the prospective hiring by the Western Reserve Port Authority of an economic development specialist, it would be this: Political hacks need not apply.

Ryan of Niles, D-17th, mastermind of the development initiative, used diplomatic language in discussing the type of person he believes should fill the position.

“Quite frankly, it’s not going to be a local political hire. I think that’s important for the community to know. It’s going to be someone [who’s] proven themselves probably outside of this area or they may be from here and left. This is not someone’s cousin that’s going to get the job done.”

Our sentiments exactly.

Why would we use such inflammatory language to characterize the congressman’s comments? Because Ryan previously used the words “political hacks” to describe the individuals who would not be considered for the job.

Ryan had spent months last year publicly discussing the development initiative and was able to persuade Mahoning and Trumbull county commissioners and the mayors and city councils of Youngstown, Warren and Niles to make a financial commitment. The two counties each pledged $100,000, while the cities agreed to kick in $50,000 each. In addition, the Western Reserve Building Trades committed $25,000. The congressman asked each entity to participate for at least three years.

Ryan made it clear at the time that the economic development director and the staff would not be “political hacks.”

He may have toned down the rhetoric this week, but he has not weakened his resolve to get the best and the brightest individuals to fill the positions.

Indeed, the responsibility for clearly defining the job description, along with qualifications and experience, will be borne by Heidrick & Struggles, a Chicago-based company with offices on six continents. Heidrick & Struggles was hired Wednesday by the Western Reserve Port Authority to conduct the search for the economic development director. The company would be paid between $75,000 and $100,000.

Salary scale

The salary scale for the director has been set at $150,000 to $210,000. For that kind of money, the authority should be able to attract high quality applicants, with the appropriate education and job experience. The person hired must also have first-hand knowledge — hands-on experience is preferred — of port authorities and what powers they derive under Ohio law.

For instance, such authorities have the ability to engage in economic development activities, including public financing, acquiring and constructing buildings and administering state and federal grants and loans.

To his credit, Congressman Ryan has worked closely with officials of port authorities in Summit and Cuyahoga counties and thus has a solid understanding of what it takes to be successful.

In fact, the Mahoning Valley has been the beneficiary of the Summit County Port Authority’s power. It was the conduit in the expansion of Exal Corp. of Youngstown by providing $3 million through the sale of fixed rate bonds, and it helped secure $5 million through the sale of state bonds. In addition, the authority helped Exal get a $2 million state loan. The company borrowed $30 million and put up $225,000 in equity. The $44 million made possible a 170,000-square-foot expansion.

Ryan believes the Western Reserve Port Authority can play a similar role in Mahoning and Trumbull counties — with the right development staff, starting with the director.

Given the financial commitment made by the two counties and three municipalities, a regional approach to economic development, with the goal of creating decent-wage jobs, will be emphasized.