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Most candidates from opposing political parties running for the same post struggle to find common ground with flashlights and maps.
Republican Michael Hovis and Democrat Kristen Rock -- vying for a Trumbull County Commissioners seat -- actually have some.
Both told our editorial board in their separate endorsement interviews that the commissioners -- as currently constituted -- are moving too slowly on some of the issues facing the county.
In other words, Trumbull County could benefit from a little less conversation and a little more action, with apologies to Elvis Presley.
We couldn't agree more, whether the subject is moving the county's 911 Center, relocating the dog pound or a host of other discussions that seem to have dragged on for years with little tangible progress to show for all the talk.
This is just one reason we view both Hovis and Rock as viable future commissioners. There are more, but we give the edge in this race to Hovis, based on his municipal experience as the former Bazetta Township police chief and current township trustee.
That said, we found Rock to be a formidable candidate with plans and ideas that also could move Trumbull County forward in the future if she does not win this race.
Hovis and Rock are correct -- the current commissioners appear unable to get out of first gear.
Hovis said he spoke to Commissioners Denny Malloy, Tony Bernard and Rick Hernandez about consolidating the county's Eastern District Court in Brookfield and Central District Court in Cortland. The move, he said, would save Trumbull County taxpayers money. Hovis defeated Malloy in the GOP primary in the spring.
"They are afraid of making decisions," Hovis said. "I brought them information about consolidating the two courts. We still don't have a resolution by the county commissioners just to ask for a free study. They still have not made a decision."
Ashtabula County, he said, has decided to consolidate its Eastern and Western County courts into a single court handling the county's misdemeanor cases. He added that the state Legislature is already working on language dealing with court consolidation.
Trumbull County could benefit from that and other decisive moves and Hovis -- if elected -- doesn't intend to wait for something to happen.
"I'm going to present things that make the commissioners make decisions," he said. "Time is money."
In a time of increasing political differences dominating the headlines, it was refreshing to hear Rock -- an attorney and former member of the Liberty Township zoning board and Liberty Local Schools' fiscal oversight committee -- also voice her opinion that Trumbull County officials need to move faster to get the county where it should be.
Rock said the commissioners often seem to operate from "two steps behind."
"For example, this situation with Trumbull 911 is very frustrating," she said. "Why is it taking so long for the commissioners to make a decision about moving the center?
"The next 911 center should be in a facility that's owned by the county. We should come up with several options for 911 and then get with our grant consultants, the sheriff and other interested communities."
Hovis agrees that a county-owned location is best for 911 staffers.
"They deserve their own building and improved technology," he said. "The safety of our county is at risk by them not having their own building. Look at every police and fire station, except Hubbard Eagle Joint Fire District, is owned by the local government. They own their police and fire departments for a reason."
Neither candidate seems enamored with a proposal to move the 911 Center to Kent State University at Trumbull. Hovis said he wants a detailed examination of the contract language if the county opts to move there.
But given the speed at which the Trumbull County Commissioners currently operate, how likely is that to happen before Malloy's replacement -- whomever it may be -- is in office?
If that issue gets punted again, the new commissioner should keep his or her promise to be decisive and get things done right from the start in 2027.
SCRIPTURE
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 ESV