Austintown trustees defend spending concerning senior-levy money

AUSTINTOWN — An article in Sunday’s Vindicator looking into the township’s use of senior-levy money raised the ire of defiant officials who accused the newspaper of “yellow journalism.”

“I am not ashamed to say I think they [The Vindicator] really blew it this time. The connotation put in there almost made it look like we were taking money for improper and illegal venture. ... That article was negative. Maybe we should have a little backdrop coming from The Vindicator apologizing for the connotation,” said Ken Carano, trustee chairman. “Whoever the editor was that OK’d that article, I’d like him to go back to journalism school.”

The article addressed a claim that senior-levy money is being used for other purposes.

Forty-three percent of levy money goes to pay rent on a Westchester Drive building that houses the Austintown Senior Center. The rent money is then transferred to a fund to fulfill the wishes of a donor’s request for spending on recreation for township residents.

The five-year levy generates $300,000 a year. The township owns the building.

Officials also took aim at the article’s main source, Bill Adams, former volunteer director of senior services.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com