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Eliminate Lewis from Port Authority consideration

Trumbull commissioners are weighing the qualifications of 13 candidates who want to represent the county as a member of the Western Reserve Port Authority board.

Among the 13 is Scott Lewis who, after already serving eight years on the port authority, is seeking reappointment to the board that oversees the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and its economic development arm.

Lewis’ service has become a controversial issue because during his tenure he was reprimanded by the Ohio Ethics Commission because of a $97,366.38 commission check he received from a real estate transaction involving airport property. The 2009 transaction saw Davis International sell a cargo building on airport property to Millwood Inc., who would lease the land. During negotiations and discussions, Lewis, a Warren real estate executive, never revealed to his colleagues on the port authority that he represented Davis International. Port Authority members said they were surprised when he abstained from the vote.

Later on, Lewis revealed his involvement in the negotiations violated Ohio law governing private interest in public contracts.

Commissioners Frank Fuda and Dan Polivka on June 17, 2014, signed a letter calling for Lewis’ resignation. Lewis refused to resign. No further efforts were ever taken to remove him, and he has remained on the board until now.

That’s why we are puzzled with Fuda’s comments last week that Lewis’ ethics infraction would not affect Fuda’s decision on whether to renew Lewis’ appointment. Rather, Fuda spoke favorably of Lewis, pointing out reasons — like his service and experience — that indicate he should retain his seat.

How is it possible that a nearly $100,000 payday from the sale of port authority property is not cause enough to question a board member’s service in a post intended to improve the local economy and for the public good — not to develop personal gain?

Still, Fuda implied he is willing to forgive and forget, even after his call for Lewis’ resignation went unheeded in 2014.

Rather, Fuda should be so appalled with Lewis’ selfish actions and so angry that Lewis had defied the trust of the board that appointed him, not to mention the public, that he should never consider a reappointment.

Conversely, we are glad to see that Polivka has taken the matter more seriously and said he believes it’s unlikely that commissioners will renew Lewis’ appointment.

Twelve other candidates have applied for the post, many who have served in management positions in the private and public sectors and likely would bring fresh ideas and new focus.

Commissioners must interview and weigh each of the candidates carefully, and then they should make the decision based on qualifications. And his past ethics violation should eliminate Lewis from contention.

editorial@tribtoday.com

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