Banker Latell well suited for Trumbull Co. recorder

With Trumbull County Recorder Diana Marchese retiring in December after 24 years in office, the question of who should succeed her looms large.

Marchese has set the bar high as far as customer service and maintenance of official documents are concerned. Therefore, the next recorder should have an understanding of what the job entails and the responsibilities that come with being the keeper of the county’s historical records.

Three candidates are seeking the position this year: two Democrats and one Republican. In the battle for the Democratic nomination, banker Tod Latell of Girard is competing against veteran Warren Councilwoman Helen Rucker in Tuesday’s primary.

Republican Debra Roth of Warren is unopposed for the GOP nomination.

Latell, whose father, Tony, served as a county commissioner and uncle, John, was the county’s engineer, and Rucker, with 20 years as a city lawmaker, have done their homework in familiarizing themselves with the operation of the recorder’s office.

Therefore, Democratic voters need to look at each candidate’s educational background and work experience in deciding who should represent the party in the November general election.

We did and have concluded that Latell would be best suited to meet the statutory responsibilities of the office.

“Today’s data-managing environment requires unprecedented attention to access and security of records,” says the assistant vice president, branch manager and investment representative with Huntington National Bank. “There is no issue more critical to any organization that is charged with managing the integrity of such information. It is of great importance in the banking industry, and will be a major focus of mine if elected to the recorder’s office and for all county data and documents.”

Latell has a bachelor of science degree in international banking from the University of Akron and has been in the banking industry for 10 years.

Rucker, who retired from Delphi Packard in 2006, attended Kent State University at Trumbull where she took computer courses.

If elected, she would request a performance audit and review past studies to determine if the current storage facilities are adequate for the future. She would also exam the “true condition (of) our historic records” and would develop a time line for updating microfilm data to a better digital system.

SKILLFUL RECORD KEEPER

But it is Latell’s recognition of the importance of maintaining accurate and secure records that has us believing he would be an ideal successor to Marchese.

“I will seek out technological advances to build upon all that Diana has accomplished, while we continue to maintain accurate and secure records, provide convenience and immediate access to those records, and focus on service and budget,” the banker says. “I will approach my new duties with the same responsibility, passion and focus as I do in my present position.”

An important aspect of the recorder’s office is customer service, which Marchese has emphasized – even with a downsized staff.

While Rucker makes a persuasive case for her lengthy record of working with people and meeting the needs of her constituents, Latell’s experience as a branch manager of a major bank is more compelling.

Banks place great importance on the treatment of their customers and the privacy of financial transactions.

There’s another aspect of Latell’s professional experience that should reassure the public: Analyzing budgets and staffing is second nature to him.

We were pleasantly surprised by the extent of his knowledge when he talked about the budget of the recorder’s office and its payroll. He provided us with a breakdown of the funding sources and the division of labor with regard to the staff.

Latell told us he started thinking about running for the office 12 months ago and has spent the past six months or so learning all he can about the office.

Indeed, he met with Marchese on several occasions and spent a day with her observing the operation of her office.

The race for the Democratic Party nomination comes down to qualifications, knowledge and preparedness, and in all three categories, the banker has the advantage over the councilwoman.

The Vindicator endorses Latell in Tuesday’s primary. The winner will face Roth in the November general election.