The front page story Sunday by Vindicator Reporter Denise Dick on the effort by Boardman Township officials to sell a 4.1-mill levy to the voters was compelling because of what it revealed about government spending. With 180 employees gobbling up $9.6 million a year, the list of their annual salaries (add another 45 percent for the value of the benefit package) was red meat for private sector workers who have long wondered if those in the public sector know what it's like to live in the real world.

But what was most intriguing about Dick's story was township Administrator Jason Loree's explanation for why high wages are a good thing for Boardman government: They attract quality applicants when a position needs to be filled.

Loree certainly shouldn't have been the one talking about quality applicants.

After all, his appointment by trustees Elaine Mancini, Cathy Miller and Robin Gallitto to the important position of administrator spotlighted just how unqualified he was for the job. And yet, he is now responsible for the day-to-day operation of the largest township in Mahoning County and one of the largest in Ohio.

In his previous non-government life, Loree managed a family business a sandwich shop.

And officeholders wonder why taxpayers are in such a disagreeable mood.