Elect Letson as treasurer, Flask as auditor in Warren

A n Experienced POLITICIAN is squaring off against a newcomer for the Democratic nomination for Warren city treasurer in the May 2 primary election.

The race pits Thomas Letson, an attorney and former state representative, against Emily Mach, a graduate student scheduled to receive her master’s degree in business administration the same week as the election.

After careful review of each candidate’s experience and plans for running the office, The Vindicator endorses Letson.

As a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Letson gained valuable knowledge on state and municipal tax laws. That experience will serve him well in maintaining the integrity of the office that both he and Mach agree outgoing Treasurer John Homlitas has established. He also pledges to place a premium on accountability and accessibility to the public.

Frankly, we are concerned that his challenger may not be able to deliver that same commitment to hands-on public service. As a full-time employee of the financial aid department of Youngstown State University, Mach acknowledged she had not worked out plans with her employer that would permit her to maintain a regular albeit part-time presence in the treasurer’s office during prime business hours weekly.

Though Mach did present some credible ideas, including preparing multi-year budget analyses to guide city leaders in legislative plans, her inability to guarantee routine working-hour access to her office lessens her potential effectiveness.

In the Democratic race for Warren auditor, The Vindicator endorses Vincent Flask, the incumbent appointed last summer after former Auditor Anthony Natale was convicted of criminal activity. From our vantage point, Flask has done a competent job in overseeing the office. His goals of running a transparent office and fulfilling promises to city residents made during this year’s successful income tax campaign are credible.

His sole challenger Valdeoso Patterson did not attend an interview session with the editorial board, thereby making him ineligible for endorsement consideration.