Fuda’s work ethic, dedication of benefit to Trumbull County

“Phenomenal” isn’t a word usual- ly associated with government, especially during an economic recession and mounting taxpayer discontent with the public sector. Yet, Trumbull County Commissioner Frank Fuda used it several times during his editorial board interview with The Vindicator as he discussed his three years and nine months in office, the level of cooperation within county government and the willingness of all elected officials in the area to work together.

Fuda, who is seeking a second four-year term in next month’s general election, contended that county government’s financial stability is the result of officeholders and employees recognizing that “this is not the time to break the system.” And so, while other counties are facing dire budgetary forecasts, Trumbull is projected to end this year with a surplus of between $8 million and $10 million.

“We’re the only county operating without layoffs and without cuts in services,” Fuda, former Niles city councilman and a retired school teacher, noted. The $46 million in general fund revenue is where the commissioner and his colleagues, Paul Heltzel and Dan Polivka, expected it to be.

There are several reasons for the county’s fiscal health: the willingness of departments to make do with the same level of funding they received in 2009; employees agreeing to wage freezes and some of them paying more toward their health insurance coverage; additional fees being collected as part of sheriff’s sales, which have helped offset step-pay increases in the department.

Negotiations on a new contract with the various unions have begun, and the commissioners are seeking another pay freeze in return for not laying off any employees.

Fuda, a Democrat who is being opposed by Republican Mark Allen of West Farmington in the general election, insisted that while the commissioners have kept a tight rein on the budget, the development of Trumbull County has not suffered.

For instance, $35 million has been spent in recent years on sanitary sewer projects, which have benefited communities that have septic systems, and those pursuing economic development initiatives.

Pledge kept

When Fuda ran for the office in 2006, he pledged that he would be a full-time commissioner. By all accounts, that pledge has kept — and more. He works at least 60 hours a week, in part because he and his colleagues do not employ a full-time administrator, the way many counties do. But the commissioner is quick to point out that his work habits are not a reflection on Heltzel and Polivka. Each of them brings a special quality to the job: Heltzel is a corporate attorney who provides legal and business expertise; Polivka, a former construction company executive, provides construction know-how; Fuda’s strong point is his ability to work with people and to make things happen.

Trumbull County government is working well and the three commissioners seem to have found the right formula for success.

Frank Fuda has earned the support of the voters. Allen did not accept The Vindicator’s invitation for an interview.