Trustee Qualifications
The following is a suggestion that would help maintain the quality and integrity of the office of Township Trustee
1.) The Trustee must own and reside, not rent, within Austinburg Township.
People that do not have a vested interest in their community could have a tendency to vote on popularity i.e. getting re-elected and not what is best for the community. For instance: Dan Whitmire does not live in Austinburg and does not, to my knowledge, own a house or property in Austinburg. But it really doesn't matter much.
2.) Trustees that rely on the money given to them for holding this office as a means of survival should not be considered for the office.
Most people do not realize that trustees are given a salary, about $9,000 for Austinburg Township per year. Plus they are entitled to full hospitalization!! This can be very important for someone that is self employed. Family hospitalization of this magnitude can cost approximately $12,000/per year! Therefore, the approximate compensation of holding this position can be worth $20,000.00/year. This is a huge savings to an average family/person. Quite an enticement for someone that has to rely on being a trustee in order to make ends meet. This important perk could possibly cause an individual to make decisions on the side of popularity in place of the best interest of the whole community. But it really doesn't matter much. Lynn Frank (Trustee) cost the Township over $24,000/year
3) Trustees shall refrain from casting a vote if they are on any other board or hold any position that would be in conflict to the impartial casting of that vote.
True Example: The zoning of my winery was up for a vote as to whether to allow a small segment of the property to be changed from residential to Neighborhood Commercial. Raveenwood Acres, who are adamantly against the zoning change, is directly across the street from our winery. The residents/association of Ravinewood Acres was represented by Ron Smoker and Richard Dana . Mr. Richard Dana is also on the board of Geneva Area Senior Center. It just so happens that Mrs. Spade (Austinburg Trustee) is the secretary of that organization. This association with Mr. Dana is a conflict of interest and should exempt Mrs. Spade from casting her vote.
In addition Dan Whitmire (Austinburg Trustee) was formally a resident of Ravinewood Acres and could have friends or close ties with some of the residents. This too would represent a conflict of interest. But it really doesn't matter much.
As a result it was turned down by the three trustees. I wonder why?!
More to come........feel free to comment.....but it really doesn't matter much.