Canfield Township needs forward-thinking leaders

Unlike some other communities in the Mahoning Valley that are in the midst of economic collapse, Canfield Township is in relatively good shape financially. That doesn’t mean, however, the realities brought on by the national recession can be ignored. The keepers of the public purse must be ever vigilant.

Thus, the question facing Canfield voters in the Nov. 3 general election: Which of the seven candidates seeking the three seats on the board of trustees offer the leadership skills necessary to help map the township’s future?

After interviewing all seven and reviewing the questionnaires filled out by them, The Vindicator editorial board has concluded that the two incumbents, Randy Brashen and Richard Puerner, have earned the right of return, while Marie Cartwright, who has been active in the community for a long time, will be a positive addition to the board.

That said, we do commend the candidacy of Charles M. Coleman, who spent more than 15 years on the Canfield Zoning Commission, for voter consideration because he would certainly bring an important perspective to township government.

The other candidates in the race are Anthony Bettile, Alex Mangie and Martha Zarlenga.

Brashen, Coleman, Cartwright and Bettile are vying for the two seats that carry four-year terms. Trustee Bill Reese is leaving after his term ends.

Puerner was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Trustee Paul Moracco and is seeking election to serve out the two years left on the term. Mangie and Zarlenga are challenging him.

Spending priorities

As we noted at the outset, Canfield Township isn’t facing budgetary collapse, but trustees must prioritize spending to avoid future problems. That is why one of the top issues in this race has to do with a project that it still in the talking stages.

As Puerner pointed out, the $1.2 million that has been pegged as the cost of a new administration building is nothing more than the architect’s estimate. No decisions have been made by the trustees now in office and, in fact, other options are being discussed.

But that hasn’t stopped the project from becoming a political football.

The incumbents insist that there will not be a rush to judgment.

Cartwright, on the other hand, is adamant that a new administration building will not have her support. However, she is open to reviewing other less expensive alternatives.

She told Vindicator writers that the historic town hall that now houses township offices could be renovated, or the township garage on Messerly Road could be expanded.

“The township resources must be managed with the current economic environment in mind,” she said.

Brashen, who is seeking a second four-year term, admitted that he is riding the fence on the administration building proposal, but added that if the issue were on the agenda today he would vote “no” — because of the economy.

“Now is not the time to build,” the trustee said. “People need jobs.”

Puerner, who would serve out the two years left on the term if he is elected next month, said information is still being gathered on the possible locations for the administrative offices and that the current board of trustees is not close to making a decision.

Coleman, who believes the township must update its Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Vision for Growth, said the need for better quarters for township employees is evident, but that he does not believe a new building is necessary.

Broader view

While the issue of a new administration building or the construction of a concession facility at the township park may not seem of great consequence, the fact of the matter is that money will have to be spent. Doing so requires individuals in government who have a broader view of things.

The issue of flooding has also taken center stage, and the incumbents, along with Cartwright and Coleman, believe that Canfield’s teaming up with Boardman and Austintown will reap benefits.

We do applaud Coleman, Mangie, Bettile and Zarlenga for showing an interest in their community by running for office, but from where we sit, Brashen, Puerner and Cartwright would provide the strongest representation.