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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2010 > April > 23
Friday, April 23, 2010
Editorial: Warren Co. commission needs Ariss
2010 ELECTION
In the crowded field running for the Warren County Commission seat being vacated by Mike Kilburn, the best choice is a familiar name — Tom Ariss.
Mr. Ariss, who served as sheriff for 17 years before retiring in 2009, knows the players in county government, is respected, has the trust of the community and understands the issues.
Tom Grossmann, an attorney who is Warren County’s Republican Party chairman and a former Mason mayor, also has strong credentials. But Mr. Ariss is a much better bet to work cooperatively with other county officials to solve problems.
Mr. Grossmann’s style is troubling. In a meeting with the Dayton Daily News editorial board, he was over-the-top domineering and unnecessarily aggressive in responding to criticism from his opponents. Some Republicans say privately they are wary of working with him because he comes on so strong.
Mr. Grossmann is heavily focused on Mason. The commission already has a Mason resident in David Young. Too much tilt in that direction might not best serve the whole county.
Mr. Kilburn, who is leaving the commission to run for Congress, has endorsed Chris Koch, 42, the president of the Union Twp. trustees. Mr. Koch, who says he is the most conservative candidate in the race, is simply unrealistic about the state of affairs in Warren County.
He opposes the county’s move to collect the full unvoted “inside” property tax millage — something most counties do routinely, but that Warren County had previously cut. But he has no plan for how to replace the lost revenue.
Mr. Ariss, who favors collecting the full amount, said the $15 million in revenue that otherwise would be lost would be tough to replace.
Mr. Koch also says the county should have rejected federal stimulus money in all cases. That would have been foolish. Rejecting stimulus funds would not have lowered federal taxes or reduced the federal deficit. It just would have sent money destined for Warren County elsewhere. Mr. Ariss supports the county’s decision to accept the stimulus cash.
Mr. Koch has personal financial troubles stemming from a failed business that have caused him to fall behind on his property taxes and other bills.
Sandra Tugrul, 72, a home-based travel agent who lives in Lebanon, says she’ll bring an “everyday” perspective to the commission. Her background in public affairs is mainly in Butler County, where she was on the Lakota school board.
A fifth candidate, embattled Carlisle Mayor Tim Humphries, did not respond to an invitation to meet with the editorial board. He has been accused of downloading pornographic material to his city-owned computer. He vigorously denies having done so.
Warren County has a fast-growing population that will inevitably require expanding existing services. There’s increasing pressure to create infrastructure to keep up with the growth. Of course, county leaders need to be vigilant about containing expenses, but they also have to be realistic about the need to spend on things that matter. Good planning will be a priority.
Mr Ariss, 73, has experience in county government, a solid track record of quality management as the sheriff and has a deep commitment to Warren County. He is the best choice for commissioner.
NOTE: Find letters of support for the candidates here.
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