There was a common topic of conversation when discussing goals and priorities of the three Democrats running for the Trumbull County commissioner Jan. 3 term seat. While all three candidates, Warren City Council President John Brown, Howland Township Trustee James LaPolla Jr. and former Trumbull County Commissioner Dan Polivka, have different goals in mind, they all agreed on one thing — something that we’ve agreed with in the past.

There simply needs to be better teamwork and communication among the county commissioners. All three candidates showcase an ability to do so.

Michelle Garman, a Mathews school board member, was the fourth candidate in the race, but has since dropped out. However, her name will still appear on the ballot. Any votes cast for her will not be counted.

Brown not only has worked with Warren council members to approve pieces of legislation, but he’s inserted himself into the rest of the county by attending other township meetings and is a board member for Trumbull County MetroParks and the Trumbull Community Action Program.

As a commissioner from 2004 to 2020, Polivka proved to be a consistent voice in the county. He said he can seamlessly slide back into the commissioner’s chair and work well with board President Denny Malloy and whoever wins the Jan. 2 term seat in the general election between Republican Tony Bernard and Democrat incumbent Mauro Cantalamessa, who are both running unopposed in the March 19 primary election.

LaPolla spoke of his ability to work well with his fellow trustees over the past 11 years. He said if he were to win, he would want to listen and learn during his first year in office, but he believes he would be able to work well with his fellow commissioners to get things accomplished.

All three also have goals of restoring dignity and respect to Trumbull County, as the constant disarray among the current commissioners has given the county a black eye across the state.

But, while all three candidates agreed on at least two things, all three had different viewpoints about another.

In the past, we have disagreed with an assertion that commissioners should add both a county administrator and a county budget director. Adding two more full-time positions, which would add an estimated $300,000 to the county budget, is something that simply should not be done.

LaPolla saw the benefits of a township administrator from working with longtime administrator Darlene St. George in Howland and would support adding an administrator to the county budget. Brown doesn’t think it is necessary to have one because of the time he would put in as commissioner.

“I would be aware of situations that are going on and be able to reach out to my other commissioners and take care of it,” Brown said. “I just don’t think it’s necessary, with the size of our county, to have a county administrator. The three commissioners, I believe, can handle it.”

This is something we can agree with, as we believe if all three commissioners can work together, communicate efficiently and plan effectively, there is no need for a county administrator.

Polivka said he wouldn’t support having one “right now,” but would consider it in the future if the situation were right.

“I think I would be open to looking at it,” Polivka said. “I just think it’s important to get someone in there that can bring progress back to the commissioners office, rather than chaos.”

All three candidates, Polivka, Brown and LaPolla, also support the need for public transportation in Trumbull County. However, they believe there are more efficient ways of doing things. LaPolla said the situation needs to be readdressed and studied. Polivka and Brown both said there are better and more efficient ways of doing things and agreed that the Western Reserve Transit Authority isn’t the best solution, outside of the express routes it provides.

All three candidates bring great ideas to the table and have a willingness to work together for the betterment of the county, but when it comes to experience and an ability to get things done, we give Polivka the edge.

After serving in the position previously, Polivka would be able to hit the ground running and also has the economic development of the county in mind. He has goals of bringing an airline back to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and mentioned looking into Breeze Airways, a relatively new airline, as a possible candidate.

While he was commissioner, Polivka said he also was able to get a study approved for broadband and plans to revisit that if he is elected again to office.

Finally, Polivka is someone with a steady voice who showcases an ability to unify the board and bring dignity and respect back to the county. That is something the county needs at this time. And that contributed to him earning our endorsement.