DEAR EDITOR:

I am writing concerning the commissioners meeting on Jan. 31. Somewhere around agenda item 14, when the commissioners were discussing the monies that they and the City of Warren were going to put up to meet the match needed to bring back two WRTA fixed routes in Warren, the meeting got off track, as it usually does these days. The conversation got to where Commissioner Malloy wanted to know why the transit board was disbanded in the first place. During the querulous conversation, Commissioner Frenchko insinuated that the board was corrupt and the members were all trying to increase their profit margin. Although she was not wrong about all members, the board’s main problem started with the initial board being selected by the commissioners on the contractor’s advice. The commissioners were not educated enough in transportation and its complicated working parts. The contractor and operator of NiTTS had a good understanding and they took him at his word. The only problem with that is oversight compliance. The contractor was running the meetings and most of the board was going along with him. The board had trouble from the onset. Two chairpersons resigned, probably because they saw a conflict of interest.

We could speculate on the transit board’s problems and demise but that is water under the bridge. My concern is, as the board evolved, several people were finally appointed to the board that were trying to get it right. For Commissioner Frenchko to insinuate that all board members were in with the contractor is hurtful and absurd! I was a board member and know of at least four or five members that were working to change the culture of the board. I think it is reckless for Commissioner Frenchko to lump all board members together as bad eggs. The board was a volunteer board working for no pay and I am appalled that she would insult the hard-working citizens of our county that were doing the dirty work for the commissioners.

If the commissioners want to act disrespectfully toward each other, that’s their business; but they should not disrespect the people that they work for. I believe a public apology is in order for the board members that were trying to get it right! The citizens of Trumbull County deserve better behavior from its duly-elected officials.

CARL F. CLEMENS III

Advocate, former board member 2016-2021

Warren