Why rush to fill the position?

Before the ink had time to dry on Youngstown Health Commissioner Neil Altman’s retirement letter, members of the board of health were discussing the search for a replacement.

It would have been refreshing had someone asked, “Are there other cost-saving options the board could explore?” The question would have served as an acknowledgement that during Altman’s 30-year tenure as health commissioner — his retirement took effect May 1 — the city has undergone dramatic change. From the decline in population, to the decrease in income tax revenue, to the deterioration of once stable neighborhoods, it is clear that a reassessment of city government is needed.

And, that means embracing what Ohio Gov. John Kasich has been preaching since he took office in January: The public sector must find new ways of providing services to the citizenry.

While it is true that the position of city health commissioner exists through the home-rule charter and, therefore, can only be eliminated through a vote of the people, this could be an opportunity to find out what the public wants.

Charter review

Mayor Jay Williams, who appoints the five members of the board of health, recently announced that he is empaneling a charter review commission to study various aspects of city government, including the idea of replacing the position of mayor with a city manager. It is a recognition on Williams’ part that the status quo is unsustainable.

State statute authorizes a charter city to create a health district as a separate political subdivision. Thus, the charter commission could recommend the elimination of the city health district, and by extension the position of health commissioner, and ask voters to agree.

If the district is dissolved, Youngstown could become part of the county health district, or could contract for health services.

Perhaps the board should suspend the search for a new commissioner until the charter review commission has had a chance to find out if Youngstown needs a health department.