Calhoun targets police issue first

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Brad Calhoun (center) was accompanied by wife, Susan, while being sworn in as a new trustee by Judge David D'Apolito on Dec. 30 at the Boardman Township Center.

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Trustee Moliterno (left), Trustee Calhoun (center) and Trustee Costello on Dec. 30 at the Boardman Township Center .

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Brad Calhoun (center) shares the milestone with his family, including son Adam (left) and wife Susan following the oath of office ceremony on Dec. 30 at the Boardman Township Center. Also pictured is Judge David D'Apolito.

By SHAIYLA HAKEEM

shakeem@vindy.com

Newly elected Boardman Township Trustee Brad Calhoun has always aspired to be an influential figure in his hometown. Upon receiving the results of the November election, he was excited and honored.

“I went into it thinking that I would give it my best and if they would give me the honor to serve, that’s great. I was really excited about it,” he said.

Calhoun’s votes tallied to 6,532, earning the number one spot over six other candidates.

One issue he will focus on is the size of the Boardman Police Department.

“Our police force is struggling to put enough men out on the road,” said Calhoun, “They’ve gone from 63 to 47 men.” He believes it’s imperative to maintain adequate police staffing, especially since he considers Boardman, in reference to retail, to be the economic hub of the Mahoning County. Though he didn’t officially commence his duties until Jan. 1, Calhoun started working prior to the new year to sketch out a plan for Boardman Township. It helped that two new trustees were coming in.

“We had the ability to sit down with the current trustee that will be there in 2010 and talk between the election right up until I got sworn in,” he said. “We have been able to meet, the three of us, and we have so many common goals and interests starting for 2010.”

Aside from the police force, Calhoun also believes that all three fire stations need to be opened, rather than the work rotation that is currently taking place.

The closing of the township’s compost site has also proven to be an issue. He says many residents have been concerned with where they can place their excess leaves and branches.

Calhoun is aware of areas within the township that may need improvement and upgrades. He also realizes that Boardman residents has continued to be the supportive of each other regardless of difficult situations that may arise.

“I think that for years Boardman has been the community that has always stepped up,” said Calhoun.

He views Boardman Township as a leader and he wants to maintain his leadership role within the county and if possible, throughout the state.

Calhoun attended his first official meeting as one of Boardman’s newest trustees Monday. Despite Boardman Township’s past, Calhoun has a positive outlook toward the future.

According to Calhoun, reopening the compost site, increasing the police force and the keeping the fire stations open on a regular basis are the three areas needing direct attention.

“Those are some big issues right down to the small things, like where to put your tree branches,” said Calhoun.