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From Poland, the country, reporter gets the scoop on Valley village’s connection
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Marek Walkuski, right, of Polish Public Radio, interviews Poland Township Administrator Jim Scharville in Peterson Park, where a statue of Revolutionary War heroes Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszko is displayed.
POLAND
It’s no secret to many Americans that Ohio is a battleground state in the presidential election.
But reporter Marek Walkuski must explain that to his listeners overseas in Poland, and he thought he could pique interest by reporting from Poland, Ohio.
“I report from different places, and I look for ways that people could connect with what’s going on in America. ... I want to make them curious about the place and want to listen more about the politics of it,” Walkuski added.
Walkuski is the chief U.S. correspondent for Polish Public Radio, which broadcasts throughout the country of Poland. He’s lived in Washington, D.C., for 10 years and had driven past signs for Poland, Ohio, while on the campaign trail.
After covering a rally in support of President Barack Obama’s re-election in Parma last week, he decided to visit Poland, Ohio.
Poland Township Admin- istrator Jim Scharville led Walkuski on a tour of Poland village and township, stopping at the Little Red Schoolhouse, Riverside Cemetery, Poland Presbyterian Church and Old Stone Tavern, among other landmarks.
“This area is rich in history because of its ties to the Revolutionary and Civil wars,” Scharville said.
He added the village and township were named Poland in honor of Polish Revolutionary War heroes Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Walkuski said he “loves small-town America.”
“A lot of people, especially overseas, are used to seeing the cities, but they don’t see this whole other America,” he said.
He asked Scharville about local politics and learned about the township form of government, which has three trustees and a fiscal officer who are elected in nonpartisan races. Scharville compared that to Poland village, which is governed by an elected council and mayor.
“In terms of politics, traditionally the township is more Democratic and the village is more Republican. There’s this dichotomy of ideas, but we get along very well,” Scharville said.
Walkuski noted that Obama spoke this summer at Dobbins Elementary School, and Scharville said, in his recollection, it was the first time a sitting president had visited Poland.
Scharville answered questions from Walkuski — ranging from “Why is the village dry?” to “Is it true Poland’s a speed trap like it says on Wikipedia?”
“Jim is so passionate and he knows so much about this place. I suppose that’s what makes towns like Poland special. You have people who love it,” he said.