Friday, October 23, 2009
SALEM — The city council races to be determined in November show the signs of the economic times.
Five people are running for three at-large council seats. The council president’s seat also is up for election.
Council and Mayor Jerry Wolford have differed at times over the city’s course since Wolford took office two years ago.
At-large council Democrat K. Bret Apple, who was appointed to the post after a councilman resigned, is a former Columbiana Municipal Court Judge.
He said there are limited ways to increase revenue. With the city revenue down, council and the mayor talked about ending the reciprocity of income taxes that would increase Salem taxes.
Salem residents who now work in other communities and pay income tax there would pay more here.
Apple said, “I would not remove the reciprocity given to residents that work outside the city without the citizens’ approval.”
But council agreed to put a 0.5-percent income-tax increase for four years on the November ballot. The city already collects a 1 percent tax that brings in about $4 million a year.
Fellow at-large Councilman Clyde Brown, is ending his fourth year. He lost the mayor’s race to Wolford two years ago.
Brown said, “The major issues in Salem are the same as those in Youngstown and every community you can mention. I firmly believe you can’t have economic development until you have a plan set in concrete to turn things around.”
He also wants Salem and Perry Township to work together and said local officials should have incentives in place for businesses that want to come to the area.
“At this time, I take the position [that] we eliminate all spending that isn’t for the health and welfare of our residents,” he added.
In his first bid for office, Randall Colian, a Democrat, is a banking officer who used to be a Salem police officer.
The police department has not filled several positions because of the city’s tight budget. Colian wants to see those positions staffed.
“It is time for members of council to drop the political gloves and work together in the best interest of the city,” Colian said.
He’s also interested in trying to find grant funds for projects in the city.
Brian Whitehall, a Republican, said, “I am new to politics. I am the common man who decided to get involved and see if I can serve my city.”
He added that he is opposed to the mayor’s proposed half-percent income-tax increase and is opposed to the mayor’s attempt to take over the “after party” that operated during the Super Nationals for several years.
Republican Joseph M. Radin Jr., did not respond to a Vindicator request for information, nor did Tod A. Mumpire, the incumbent Democrat council president or his Republican challenger, Mickey Weaver.
wilkinson@vindy.com