Taltoan offers promising leadership for 2nd Ward

Few realistic observers, we suspect, would disagree with the assertion that the East Side of Youngstown rides out some of the greatest and most gnawing challenges within the city’s corporate limits.

Consider its vast swaths of blight-promoting vacant properties, its rapid and continuing loss of residents and businesses and its status as a hotbed for violent crime, and one can see that much energy, talent and hard work must be invested there for any solid hopes of a turnaround to take place in the foreseeable future.

That’s why the Democratic primary race for the 2nd Ward City Council seat takes on added significance this spring. The 2nd Ward comprises the bulk of the eastern quadrant of the city.

Several contrasts between the two candidates seeking the seat now held by T. J. Rogers , who chose not to seek re-election, could not be more stark.

One is a former 34-year-long employee of the city who worked his way up to the position of police chief who has also sought other public offices, such as mayor and Mahoning County sheriff.

The other is a political newcomer who has established her own successful business – Rockbrook Business Services LLC in 20 Federal Place downtown – and has participated in numerous community-service initiatives in the city.

In addition, based on interviews with The Vindicator’s Editorial Board earlier this month, her levels of energy and enthusiasm for the post rise above those of her male challenger.

For those and other reasons, The Vindicator has chosen to endorse the candidacy of Ra’Cole Taltoan, over former Youngstown Police Chief Jimmy Hughes for the Democratic nomination for the 2nd Ward council seat.

The victor in the May 7 race likely will emerge the victor in November as no Republican has filed to challenge the longtime stranglehold of Democrats in that municipal legislative seat.

GOALS OF HUGHES

Hughes, more than 25 years the senior of Taltoan, says he has been a public servant his entire life and wants to give more back to the city by serving on council.

He added that he understands the job of city council and, if elected, he can help the other members, particularly when it comes to issues dealing with public-safety forces.

“I want to make a difference in the way we live, improve our safety and focus on improving our roads,” he said.

Over the years, we have both praised and criticized Hughes. We had cheered his role in reducing the number of violent crimes, particularly homicides, in the city during his six-year tenure as police chief before his retirement in 2011.

Yet, we’ve also called some of his leadership “ineffective” because of a tendency to be too much of a police department insider.

In the eight years since his retirement, he has not maintained a strong presence in the public sector save for his failed run for Mahoning County sheriff (he received 24 percent of the vote in the race won by incumbent Sheriff Jerry Greene) and his bid for Youngstown mayor, from which he withdrew before primary election day in 2013.

Hughes’ soft-spoken low-key demeanor also stands in sharp contrast to Taltoan’s high energy and bubbling enthusiasm.

“I am aware of the challenges that come with this position, and I plan to make a difference,” Taltoan told The Vindicator Editorial Board.

GOALS OF TALTOAN

The former community volunteer for the Americorps VISTA anti-poverty program says she wants to work with nonprofits, farmers and grocers to ensure access to healthy and affordable food in the 2nd Ward, and work to develop underused land in the ward and bring affordable and sustainable housing.

As a savvy businesswoman, she also plans to support policies and legislation that ensure the economic security of women in the city, such as ensuring equal pay for equal work.

In addition, using her skills as a seasoned financial counselor, she plans to attract “micro-businesses” to her ward and her city rather than spending inordinate amounts of time in largely futile efforts of attempting to attract mega companies to boost the city’s image and its coffers.

Clearly, Taltoan’s priorities are in the right place, aligning perfectly with the challenges confronting the East Side.

She earns The Vindicator’s endorsement without reservations.