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Trustee voices concern about park, communication
Photo
Martha Zarlenga (left) hugs Judge Theresa Dellick after the judge swore her in as a Canfield Township Trustee Nov. 23.
By ASHLEY LUTHERN
aluthern@vindy.com
(Editor’s note: This is the first of a four-part series about new government officials in Canfield.)
After 24 years on the Canfield Board of Education, Martha Zarlenga made the transition to township government when she was sworn in as a trustee on Nov. 23. Now, she’s looking ahead to 2010.
“This park land (on Herbert Road) is a concern of mine,” Zarlenga said. “So many things need to be adjusted. We’re concerned about a planned retention pond because it’s very deep, about 10 feet and has a steep embankment and there’s no plan for a fence right now.”
She added that the proposed wind turbine in the park will cost an “exorbitant” amount of money up-front and that the $1.2 million administration building on the park land is now “out of the picture.”
Zarlenga, who has lived in the township for 45 years, won the November election for a two-year unexpired term against Alex Mangie and incumbent Richard Puerner.
She said the main difference residents will see from her tenure compared to past trustees is a priority on sharing information.
“I want to do a newsletter and improve the Web site so that people know what’s happening in the township,” Zarlenga said. “Many people didn’t even know about the park. The former trustees said they sent a survey, but I never got one and people out my way didn’t get it, either. People have to know what’s going on.”
Along with more accessible information, Zarlenga wants to explore different times for trustee meetings.
“When I look through past minutes, I see that some meetings are in the afternoon, many are on a Tuesday at 7 p.m., but if people have kids it might difficult for them to get there,” she said. “I want to get the meetings on a timely schedule and give everyone the chance to participate.”
Zarlenga also wants to strengthen the relationship between the trustees and unionized township employees.
“We have to look into the employee situation. The morale is terrible and going into this year, there are three grievances pending. I don’t like that,” she said.
Zarlenga will be joined by Marie Cartwright and Tony Bettile on the Board of Trustees in the new year.