Gillam, Drennen have earned re-election as city lawmakers

Perhaps they’re hoping to curry favor with Mayor Charles Sammarone, who took over the reins of the city of Youngstown three months ago, but council members Annie Gillam, D-1st, and Paul Drennen, D-5th, contend that long-standing problems in their wards are now being addressed with a greater sense of urgency. And that gives them cause for optimism.

Gillam and Drennen are seeking re-election in the Nov. 8 general election, and based on their records have earned the continued support of their constituents. Youngstown, with its declining population, deteriorating neighborhoods and uncertain economic future, needs political leaders who have a clear understanding of what should be done to stop the downward spiral.

Although their wards have unique challenges, the two members of council share the belief that city government must be more aggressive in dealing with crime, which continues to undermine Youngstown’s development. But they say that with Mayor Sammarone’s leadership and new police Chief Rod Foley’s commitment to have more officers on the street, the crime rate will begin to drop.

They also contend that as more abandoned and deteriorated homes are demolished, the health of the neighborhoods will improve.

Gillam says she long advocated a strict code enforcement policy and is pleased that the new administration has adopted an aggressive program. She also has long complained about abandoned cars and trash-strewn properties in her ward, and believes there’s a need for city officials to make return visits to targeted areas to monitor progress.

As part of the city’s crime-fighting program, the councilwoman suggests the administration create an amnesty program that would allow young people with outstanding warrants to report on a given day to discuss their cases with city prosecutors. Some 15,000 responded to such a program in Cleveland, she says.

Gillam is being challenged by Adrian McDowell, an independent candidate, who did not submit to an interview with The Vindicator’s editorial board.

Idora Park area

In the 5th Ward, Drennen has led various neighborhood revival efforts and has been actively involved in the upgrading of the Idora Park area. He also has played a major role in bringing a grocery store to the Fosterville area.

His priorities in his next term will be to work with his colleagues and the Sammarone administration on crime-fighting initiatives and blight and housing issues.

Drennen describes his first term in office as “very tough to get anything done” with properties that are an eyesore. Despite assurances from the previous administration that notices were being sent out to property owners regarding housing-code violations, the necessary repair work was rarely done.

“Stuff is getting done now,” he says, pointing out that since Sammarone has been mayor, three houses that were on a demolition list for two to three years are being torn down.

Drennen has a Republican challenger in the Nov. 8 election, Plato Kalfas, who did not respond to a Vindicator request for information.

Given what’s at stake in the city of Youngstown, the re-election of Gillam in the 1st Ward and Drennen in the 5th Ward is a necessity. We strongly endorse them.