Mill Creek Park is test for probate Judge Rusu

After a year and nine months on the bench, Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu is making news – but not the way he had envisioned when he set his sights on the scandal-ridden court.

In July 2014, after being appointed by Gov. John R. Kasich to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of disgraced Judge Mark Belinky, the political novice talked about his dream come true.

Rusu noted that the probate court had “taken some criticism and black eyes” and made clear his goal: “I want to restore confidence in the court.”

He has done that – and is receiving high praise from attorneys who specialize in probate law.

Rusu ran as an independent in 2014 for a full six-year term beginning in February 2015 and won against all political odds.

Belinky, a Democrat, resigned on March 14, 2014, while under criminal investigation. He was found guilty May 8 of a felony count of tampering with records.

Not once during his campaign for judge did Rusu voice concern about the operation of Mill Creek MetroParks or the performance of the board of commissioners. He had no reason to. Under state law, the county probate judge has the authority to appoint the metropolitan park commissioners, and historically that responsibility has drawn little public attention.

Today, however, Mill Creek Metro-Parks is taking up an inordinate amount of Rusu’s time. That’s because it has become the focus of public attention and the target of harsh criticism from a growing number of Mahoning County residents.

Caught in the middle is the probate judge, who is doing all he can to calm the roiling political waters and to keep what is without a doubt a jewel of this region from collapsing under the weight of the controversy.

Two of the five commissioners, Michael Senchak and Scott Schulick, resigned in the midst of harsh criticism from residents over terminations in March of long-time park employees. The executive director of Mill Creek, Aaron Young, is under fire for having park police on hand when he informed the employees that they were to immediately vacate their places of work.

With each passing day, the demands for Young’s ouster grow louder.

Screening committee

In an attempt to lower the temperature and appease the critics, Judge Rusu has taken the appropriate and commendable step of impaneling a 10-member screening committee to help him come up with the ideal candidates for the two positions on the board of commissioners.

The deadline for applications is Friday, and Rusu has asked the committee to submit to him by May 30 the names of five to seven finalists.

He hopes to make a decision by June 13, when the board of commissioners meets.

Without a doubt, the selection of replacements for Senchak and Schulick will be the most important decision Rusu makes as a probate judge – even more important, perhaps, than the changes he has implemented since taking office in July 2014.

Restoring the reputation of the court after the tenure of a disgraced judge has not been all that difficult for Rusu. He came to the office with a solid resume and a deep understanding of probate law.

Once on the bench, he put in place procedures that have won high praise from lawyers and their clients. The judge understands what’s important to ensure the proper administration of justice.

But it is his role as the overseer of the Mill Creek MetroParks that will be the most challenging – given the hardening of attitudes and the battle lines that are being drawn.

There are two underlying questions the probate judge should answer as he sifts through the applications forwarded to him by the screening committee: How can we best preserve the natural beauty of Mill Creek Park, thereby fulfilling its mission as the Green Cathedral? How can we guarantee the responsible expenditure of taxpayer dollars?

Rusu cannot permit the current debate over the terminations of long-time employees to influence his decision. We are confident that he has the temperament and foresight to keep the situation from getting out of hand.