Girard service program works to improve city
By EMMALEE C. TORISK
girard
Those convicted of misdemeanor or lesser charges who are struggling to pay their fines can minimize them by helping to beautify the city.
The Girard Municipal Court Community Service Program, which began late last year under the direction of Judge Jeff Adler, allows defendants the chance to earn $10 toward their fines for each hour of community service they put in.
“Our last resort is putting [these offenders] in jail,” said Judge Adler, who added that the program has really taken off this spring, thanks to the nicer weather. “We want to help these people. It’s on a voluntary basis, and is for those who would rather do community service.”
Judge Adler said his intention for the program is to target “bad spots throughout the city.” Recent efforts include the cleaning up of trash from area streets and parks.
“We’re trying to make it look better aesthetically and give the community a better look,” he said. “[We’ll go] anywhere that needs cleaned up.”
Cosmo Signoriello, deputy bailiff, supervises the program’s crews when they go out into the community, usually Mondays and Thursdays. He said the impact of the program goes far beyond beautifying Girard or helping offenders reduce their fines.
“They’re learning some leadership skills and teamwork, and they’re seeing the results of their efforts,” he said. “I’ve had a few of them say that they don’t want to litter anymore after they’ve walked for a few miles, picking up litter on the roadside.”
Keith Gunther, the chief probation officer for Trumbull County, said the existing community service program is just a preview of what’s ahead.
A community garden is in the works, and it could be a reality as early as next spring, Gunther said. Defendants would plant and maintain it, then make the vegetables grown there available to city residents in need.
Gunther added that he’d also like to help defendants who display a strong work ethic find jobs at area companies — as already has been the case for a few volunteers.
The Trumbull County Land Bank’s recent donation of a van to transport equipment and defendants has expedited the program’s expansion, said Sam Lamancusa, treasurer of Trumbull County and president of the land bank. The van was previously used by the county sheriff’s office.
“I would like to have every municipal court have one,” Lamancusa said of the community service programs. “I want to get to the point where we have trouble getting vans for them. As long as the court system wants to start a program, we’ll get them a van.”
So far, about 15 defendants have participated in the Girard Municipal Court Community Service Program, and not one problem has arisen, Gunther said. He added that the program helps to remove some of the negative stigma that’s often associated with those who have committed crimes.
“Just because you’re on probation doesn’t make you a bad person,” Gunther said. “[This program] is a way to take something bad and turn it into a good situation.”