EDITORIAL

OUR OPINION: Tough Mudder a good deal for city

The City of Mansfield deserves praise for securing the return of the Tough Mudder event next year.

This year’s two-day event brought nearly 20,000 people to Mansfield to challenge themselves on the 12-mile extreme obstacle course.

More importantly, the event pumped $5.3 million to our local economy in the form of spending by organizers and participants. Part of that came from indirect or induced spending, a multiplier that pumps dollars into our economy from suppliers or others peripherally connected to the event.

Last year’s Tough Mudder challenge was hailed by participants and visitors as a huge success, nearly selling out despite several issues beyond the control of organizers.

When nearby parking fell through, organizers reacted quickly to find a suitable solution, using rented school buses and parking lots at the Richland Mall and the former GM plant.

Mother Nature also brought a rainstorm on the second day of the event, making the run through the mud even muddier.

After planning began for the event more than a year ago, Tough Mudder and the city entered a five-year agreement that located the course on city-owned land near Mansfield Lahm Airport. Tough Mudder agreed to pay the city $30,000 each year— even if the event were to be canceled.

Last month that became a very real possibility when Tough Mudder raised major issues about parking and— believe it not— too much mud.

Turns out Mansfield’s mud run was the muddiest run of Tough Mudder’s 52 venues this year. It was so muddy, in fact, that construction of the course nearly held up the race.

However, organizers came together to work out a deal that would provide nearby parking for 6,000 vehicles and allow for an access road for course construction. There is no question that Mansfield has many assets that can be leveraged in ways that benefit our community financially. One of those assets is our location between two of Ohio’s major metropolitan areas. This was a key element in Tough Mudder’s decision to bring their wildly popular extreme obstacle course here. The city’s ability to find a way to accommodate the needs of this business shows what can be done when local leaders work together.

This is the kind of action we expect from our elected leaders and we encourage similar behavior in the future.

Published June 16, 2013, in the Mansfield News Journal

Pick up a paddle:

Explore Ohio from network of waterways

By David Kennard
News Journal

MANSFIELD -- The soft gurgle of clear water as it whirlpools around moss-covered stones is the siren call to Ohio’s canoeing enthusiasts.

From the earliest days when American Indians began building wood-framed boats covered with the bark of birch trees, held together with sinew and pine sap, people have explored the waterways that snake across Ohio.

Stepping into a canoe is stepping back in time.

Virtually unchanged in design, canoes continue to carry modern-day explorers seeking adventure through remote areas of our state otherwise inaccessible to humans.

And, as the warm summer months bring more people to the water’s edge, more explorers will answer the call of the streams and rivers that push through deep forests, majestic cliffs and historic areas.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, recreational paddle sports — canoeing and kayaking — account for 20 percent of all watercraft registrations. However, only within the last 10 years has the state committed serious resources to help paddlers discover Ohio’s river systems.

The State Water Trail program began in 2003, and in 2006 the Kokosing River in east central Ohio became the first river with the designation.

Explorers can put in at Mount Vernon and travel the nearly 28-mile, mostly-wooded river east though Knox and Coshocton counties. The trail includes a good variety of paddling experiences, including deep water and short rapids.

The Kokosing and its sister to the north, the Mohican River, are the epicenter of Ohio’s inventory of canoe-able waterways.

“Thousands of visitors come here every year, if you include all the commercial liveries in the Loudonville area,” said Kim Marshall, director of the Knox County Park District.

Marshall is well acquainted with central Ohio’s popular water ways.

“This whole area is rich in Ohio history,” Marshall said. “I know the Delaware tribes used these waterways. Before that, very early woodland Indians also were in this area.”

Putting in on the Mohican River at Mohican State Park south of Loudonville, paddlers will push their crafts under the dense forest canopy south and soon begin to see remnants of Ohio’s earliest residents — sandstone bridge piers from vacated railroad grades, stone foundations from early settlement long abandoned.

At the point where Holmes and Knox counties meet, boaters will float past the Greenville Treaty line that in 1795 established the boundary between the United States and American Indian land. Drawn after the end of the Northwest Indian War, the line marked land open to settlers to the south, and northern lands that remained American Indian territory.

Any one of Ohio’s nine designated State Water Trails is a good way to introduce yourself to canoeing or test your ability level the same as early Americans did so many years ago.

Nearby: Mohican State Scenic River

Loudonville has built an industry around a tourist destination that has — for years — drawn visitors to the forests, rivers and trails of southern Ashland County.

Six canoe liveries operate in the Loudonville area, including the oldest livery in the state, Mohican Adventures, which began shuttling paddlers along the Mohican River in 1961.

“This is an essential part of the local economy,” said Bob Yun, executive director of the Loudonville-Mohican Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This year’s canoeing season, which traditionally begins in April or May depending on water levels, shows all the signs of an excellent year, he said.

“It’s looking pretty good,” Yun said. “Interest in the area is up. We’ve had more phone calls and requests for information. Our website traffic is up.”

The commercial liveries rent canoes, kayaks, tubes and rafts for floating the river system. Detailed information about the services provided can be found at the visitors bureau website, www.loudonville- mohican.com/river-report.

The liveries are full-service operations designed to provide everything you need to float the river.

If you bring your own canoe and need shuttle service, call ahead to arrange transport. Each livery operates a little differently.

If you are planning your own trip, the best place to put in is near the entrance to Mohican State Park on Highway 3. Park at the Mountain Bike Trail parking lot. A short day trip — about 11 miles on the river — will take you through Amish country to Greer, near the Wally Road Scenic Byway.

A longer trip will take you further south toward the confluence of the Kokosing River.

Take plenty of water and always wear a life jacket, as the last 17 miles of the trail take you into a very remote natural area.

Getting started

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has detailed information, including maps and descriptions, on the nine waterways designated as State Water Trails.

East Sandusky Bay Water Trail: This is the only open water trail in Ohio and provides scenic views along Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie. (15.3 miles, circular route)


Great Miami River Water Trail: This is the longest trail in the state, connecting Indian Lake to the Ohio River in Cincinnati. In Dayton, the Great Miami is joined by the Stillwater and Mad rivers, which make up the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail, collectively offering 265 miles of waterway. (157 miles, north to south)

Kokosing River Water Trail: The trail passes through historic areas in Ohio and includes long lengths of remote river with no human population. (28 miles trail, west to east)

Mad River Water Trail: From Bellfontaine to Dayton, this trail includes sections of fast water as it moves paddlers south toward its confluence with the Great Miami River. (65 miles, north to south)

Mahoning River Water Trail: The trail winds through wooded, rural and urban areas in Trumbull County in northeast Ohio. It’s location near the Western Reserve Greenway Trail and Bicycle Route J make it a nice paddle/pedal destination. (23 miles, south to north)

Mohican River Water Trail: The state’s premier paddling destination, The Mohican State Scenic River is a must-visit for anyone serious about canoeing. The trail provides a true wilderness experience through Ohio’s Mohican backcountry. (28 miles, north to south)

Muskingum River Water Trail: The trail connect Coshocton to the Ohio River along the longest navigable river wholly in the state. It includes the hand-operated locks of the Muskingum River Parkway and passes through the historic communities of Dresden, Zanesville, Malta-McConnelsville, Beverly and the port town of Marietta. (112 miles, big river paddling, shared water ways with power boats)

Stillwater River Water Trail: This trail begins in remote Darke County on the west side of the state. The meandering river flows through several small farming communities before merging with the Great Miami River in Dayton. (65 miles, west to southeast)

Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail: This unique trail begins in northern Ohio and includes both river and open water travel on Lake Erie before going back inland toward the town of Lorain. (27 miles, south to north)

Find a canoe

Like most outdoor sports, equipment can be the difference between a great trip or a soggy failure.

Consumers can purchase a decent river canoe for $400 to $2,500. Used canoes also can be purchased for much less. Add to that the expense of paddles and life jackets, and the cost can get pretty high, pretty fast.

A good alternative is renting, especially if you are planning to only occasionally venture off shore or would like to get a taste of the sport.

A simple online search will point to any number of canoe liveries that will quickly get you onto Ohio’s back country water ways. These companies offer every variety of services you may need on your adventure, from equipment to shuttle services.

What to know before you go

There are a number of things you should know before you set off into the wild. Here’s a short list:

• Wear your life jacket: Water seems cool and inviting, but canoes tip easily, putting you and hard rocks within close proximity.
• Mind the weather: A little rain won’t sink your canoe, but wind, heavy rain and lightning can be deadly. Seek shelter when necessary.
• Stay off private property: You’ll see the signs posted.
• Pack it in, pack it out: Carry a litter bag. Don’t bring glass and if you find some, pack it out. Canoes can haul a lot; do your part to keep our water ways clean. 
• Wear shoes or sandals at all times: Foot injuries are no fun on a canoe trip.

Resources

Ohio has many resources to help canoeing enthusiasts travel the state’s waterways.

A good place to start your adventure is with information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. You can find just about anything you need to know at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov.

Talking to experts at sporting goods stores or a visitors bureau also will point you in the right direction.

dkennard@centralohio.com
Twitter: @davidbkennard

2012 Awards

Mansfield Awards in 2012

AP: 12 total

Kennard, Best Editorial Writer

Kennard, Best Graphic Artist

Kennard, Best Informational Graphic

Spencer, Best Sports Writer

Spencer, Best Sports Columnist

Staff, Best Sports Section

McCurdy, Best Sports Enterprise

Whitmire, Best Business Writer

Durbin, Best Business Writer

Polcyn, Best Photo Essay

Ramaley, Best Full Page Layout

Staff, Best Community Service

Gannett: 3 finalists, 2 firsts

Q1 Finalist, Jon Spencer, Iditarod

Q2 Finalist, Staff, Fire coverage

Q2 Finalist, Staff, storm coverage (shared with MNCO)

Q3 First Place, Staff, Jobs package

Q4 First Place, Mark Caudill, Kidnapping

Q4 Finalist, Kennard, Twig Beetle graphic

Bucyrus Awards in 2012

AP: 3 total

Chandler, Best Sports Writer

Messerschmidt. Best Sports Writer

Tobias, Best Photo Essay

EDITORIAL: Explore options to pay for city’s rising costs

A number of seemingly unrelated things happened this week that should illustrate a call to action for city leaders.

First, the county announced the beginning of a process to remove many of the abandoned homes around Mansfield. Secondly, firefighters responded to even more suspicious fires in
some of those same abandoned homes in the downtown area. Finally, Mayor Tim Theaker stressed the importance of voters passing a proposed income tax to offset the cost of running the city.

The city seems to be caught in a sort of catch-22 situation that should
have been handled years ago.

The failure to enforce city codes and allow homes to become so dilapidated that they are now dangerous is simply unacceptable.

These eyesores are far more than just a blight on our city, they are a serious threat to members of our safety services who have to chase out vandals and drug users. Firefighters put their own lives in jeopardy when they are forced to work in these crumbling homes.

“If there’s one good reason for the demolition of the vacant houses in Mansfield, it’s this right here,” Mansfield fire Capt. Guy Daly said last week. “This is going to get a fireman killed.”

The reality, though, is that code enforcement takes time and personnel, something the city is extremely short on these days.

In his plea to voters last week, Theaker said people should understand the city has cut expenses all it can.

“We have kept cutting and kept cutting,” Theaker said. “We’re trying to match our revenues.”

He compared the city to a wageearner who is not bringing in enough income.

“We either have to go back and get a second job or live within our means,” he said. “We (city employees) are trying to go out for another job.”

Here’s the thing, if the city had forced homeowners to keep up their properties when it had the resources to do so, it may have reduced the need for such drastic measures. Mansfield, like many municipalities, uses code enforcement as more than just a beautification tool. It can be used as a revenue stream when enforced properly.

However, these homes that are going up in flames now have nearly no value to any homeowner. The city is caught in a downward spiral that will stop only when every eyesore is gone, or when the city decides it will begin enforcing the property codes.

“We’ve got to keep the services that we’ve got at a level our citizens are expecting,” Theaker said last week.

Going to the taxpayers for more money is just one idea. We encourage the city to explore other options as well as it seeks to pay for rising costs.

EDITORIAL: A few questions for the president

We have no doubt that when President Barack Obama visits Mansfield on Wednesday, it will be a highly scripted event.

Any president who has occupied the White House has been saddle with the heavy burden of protocol.

As it should be.

We hope, however, that when the president visits our community, he will take the time to get to know us a little.

We also hope to learn more about him and how another four years in office might benefit Mansfield and Richland County.

If we had the chance, we’d ask a few questions.

Our first question to the president would be: What about the C-27J program at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport?

The Air National Guard base where Air Force One will land remains threatened by Obama’s proposed cuts to the military budget.

With no replacement mission for the 179th, the cargo planes that served so valiantly in Afghanistan could be scrapped next year.

The cost to operate these planes — and staff the Air National Guard unit — is far lower than any alternative aircraft operated by our full-time military. We have proven the cost effectiveness of the 179th, yet the president’s military budget has proposed eliminating the aircraft and ending the 179th’s mission in Mansfield.

Beyond the threat to national security, Mansfield stands to lose nearly 1,000 jobs if the president gets his way.

So, Mr. President, please explain to the people of Mansfield why the U.S. government wants to eliminate such a worthwhile part of our community and nation.

Next, Mr. President, we are looking for any insight you might have regarding the sale of the former General Motors plant in Ontario.

The once-vital part of our community provided several thousand jobs.

When the plant was idled, the jobs vanished, but the workers remained in our community, ready for whatever might take GM’s place. To date, nothing has. The federally managed trust overseeing the sale of the plant continues to say a sale is close.

We are assuming the president has some idea of what is going on about the pending sale, and we would like him to tell us what it might mean to the future of our community.

Finally, whatever happened to the war on drugs?

In a News Journal report last month, we learned there are almost 80,000 job openings across the state, but not enough drug-free applicants to fill them. As many as 10 percent of all applicants locally are not passing their pre-employment drug test.

Even more alarming, up to 20 percent of active employees involved in accidents fail post-accident drug tests. Across the county line, 84 percent of those incarcerated in Crawford County are there because of drug-related charges.

This is unacceptable. We need help.

Mr. President, how can you help us slow the growth of drug use that is devastating our local economy?

We are certain other communities across the United States have similar problems.

We look forward to the president’s visit and hope that we will receive more than boilerplate campaign answers to these and other questions that our residents might have.

Mayoral candidates focus on Mansfield’s fiscal health

By David Kennard
News Journal

MANSFIELD -- The city's fiscal future seemed to be the common theme at a mostly cordial candidate forum Monday at The Ohio State University-Mansfield.

The five candidates running for mayor -- two Democrats and three Republicans -- took questions submitted by local residents and the campus Young Republicans group.

It was the last forum before the May 3 primary. It also was the first time all the candidates sat together since they united to boycott a forum planned by the Mansfield North Central Ohio Tea Party Association. Two weeks ago, the candidates announced they would not participate in the April 11 debate because the tea party was suing Mansfield City Schools over a decision to cancel a tea party event opposed by the NAACP and a local Islamic group.

The groups said the tea party’s guest speaker was anti-Islamic and should not speak on school property. The tea party event took place instead at a private venue.

Monday night’s event was an answer to the boycott, according to Young Republicans club adviser Sid Hall.

“We had talked about doing it before, but canceled it when the tea party announced theirs,” Hall said. “But when that was canceled, we restarted ours.”

Candidates on Monday expressed thanks to the club and campus officials for allowing the event to go forward.

Each candidate was given time for an opening statement, and then took questions from moderators Josh Werner and Ashley Dobin, representing the Young Republicans.

Those in attendance heard a barrage of questions designed to differentiate mayoral candidates, but heard similar answers in many cases.

Combined 9-1-1

Responding to a question about the feasibility of combining city and county 9-1-1 dispatching services, incumbent Mayor Don Culliver said the city has been looking into the proposition but could not justify the up-front expense, especially when the city is under fiscal emergency status, as designated by the state.

“When we looked at it, there was no savings for the city,” Culliver said.

Republican challengers Bill Anliker and Bob Ball provided similar responses.

“I am for it when we can afford it,” Ball said.

Anliker said he supported the move if research showed it was the best for the residents.

Democratic challenger Ron Kreuter said, “The money is not there to do it.”

The only dissenter appeared to be Tim Theaker, who admitted that it cost money to consolidate services, but suggested in the long run it would save money for the city and the county.

Collective bargaining

When asked about a new law that targets public employees’ ability to use collective bargaining, candidates give the law mixed reviews.

Theaker said he thought the law, as a whole, was good.

“It puts administrators and union members on the same playing field,” he said.

Kreuter, however, said he saw the law as an attack on middle-class families.

Culliver said there were parts of the law he disagreed with, but he thought there was room to “tweak” the law.

Ball, who is police chief of Butler, said he was not for Ohio’s new collective bargaining law in its entirety.

“We are working-class people, and we need to be protected,” Ball said.

Anliker echoed his fellow Republicans’ statements.

“I don’t believe public servants should be allowed to strike when they are spending the taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Downtown revitalization

All mayoral candidates agreed downtown revitalization efforts need to continue, and answered questions about help for local businesses, a proposal to remove the cut-through in Central Park and other economic development issues.

Culliver said he would continue to look for funding in the way of local and other grants to help businesses survive downtown, but said it was too early to make a decision on the Central Park issue.

Theaker agreed, explaining that until a study was complete, it would be impossible to know how to support rejoining the two halves of Central Park. He suggested Mansfield focus on its positive assets when marketing itself.

“I would be a cheerleader for our city,” Theaker said. “I have worked with the (Richland Community Development Group) and learned that there are 22 groups ... and they are not communicating.”

Ball said the city needs to do all it can to fix the fiscal emergency so those working to bring jobs to Mansfield can be more successful.

Kreuter said he also would reach out to local businesses to help make them as productive as possible.

Other issues

The candidates seemed generally in agreement when it came to addressing illegal drug activity.

All agreed increased education in the schools followed by strict law enforcement should be practiced.

Anliker, answering a question directed at his Florida residency for the past decade, said he has kept a home in Mansfield, but has spent a lot of time in Florida, where his wife took a job. He said he continues to own a home in Mansfield.

Ball, also taking a question directed only to him, addressed his job status as a Richland County coroner’s investigator and Butler police chief.

He said he would have no trouble serving as Mansfield’s mayor, because his job in Butler is only part-time.

Finance director

Also participating Tuesday night were candidates for Mansfield finance director.

Unchallenged Democrat Kelly Blankenship will face either Republican John Rutledge or Republican Linn Steward in November.

The three were given an opportunity to answer several questions regarding city policy, but primarily framed their answers within the limits of their office, which is tasked with providing accurate cost-analysis to the mayor and city council.

Blankenship said she takes her responsibilities seriously and objected to the idea that the city should be operated like a business. Instead, Blankenship said, she would continue to provide accurate information based on Ohio law.

Rutledge, however, said almost the opposite.

“The city is a business, and it’s past time the city should be run like a business,” he said.

He also said he refused to play political games, but did not elaborate.

Steward, who differentiated herself as the only candidate who is a certified public accountant, said the city needed a qualified candidate, and would work to develop a fiscal plan that would include budgetary reserves.

dkennard@nncogannett.com
419-521-7204

Editorial: Calisolar deal would be a shot in the arm

North central Ohio residents should feel encouraged that Calisolar is considering adding several hundred jobs back into the old General Motors plant.

The company has stopped short of saying it has made a final decision to come to Ontario, but all indications are that the solar industry company has a strong interest in the vacant Ontario plant and is negotiating with local, state and federal officials to make it happen.

With public decisions still pending at the state and federal level on major pieces of proposed incentive programs, a final decision may not come before spring or even summer.

It is heartening now, however, to recognize that a great deal of collaboration has taken place to put Ontario at the top of Calisolar’s list of potential sites. This teamwork, which has not been disrupted by party politics, has stretched from officials in Ontario up to the office of U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown.

The administration of Gov. Ted Strickland has played a major role in the negotiations. The hand-off to newly-elected Gov. John Kasich is expected to be seamless.

If the deal is ultimately finalized, production at the plant may not begin until sometime in 2012.
Local residents should certainly feel optimistic about the future economic boost Calisolar could bring, but the potential reopening of the GM plant should not be viewed as the silver bullet that will solve all of our problems.

Mansfield, Ontario and Richland County governmental units all are facing difficult financial issues that can’t wait a year or two to be addressed. Tough decisions must be made now.

We certainly have our issues, but we also have some strengths that attracted outside investors to our community – a workable plant, a capable workforce, a tailored educational system and a community desire to get better.

The Calisolar deal is clearly not finalized.

A fair number of decisions have to be made yet and things can change. But local residents should enter the new year recognizing that others value what we have to offer and are considering joining us in our community.

Editorial: Children Services, county officials must mend their fences

For a group of people focused on repairing families, it baffles us that there is so much disfuntionality between Richland County commissioners, the county prosecutors office, the sheriff’s department and Richland County Children Services.

Last week, after Children Services Director Randy Parker learned that Prosecutor James Mayer wanted changes on Parker’s board, Parker went through the roof.

With his attorney, Parker demanded that Mayer stop meddling with children services.

The tantrum played out in front of county commissioners, and for a time seemed closed to coming to blows.

Mayer’s argument with children services is that there is a lack of law enforcement expertise on the board, and it appears that may be the reason the prosecutor’s office has seen a drop in child abuse and sex abuse cases.

Parker disagrees and said Mayer doesn’t know how to count. He said the system is working.

Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department detective assigned to investigate crimes against juveniles has started working out of the trunk of his car because he claims there is too much discord in the children services office.

A letter by board member Nancy Joyce appears to add weight to that claim. In the letter Joyce reprimands Detective Jeff Shook for a blow-up he had with Parker in front of Parker’s staff at children’s services.

When Assistant Prosecutor Bambi Couch Page tried to read the letter aloud, Parker repeatedly interrupted and ultimately walked out of the meeting.

To Parker’s argument, it certainly would be difficult to run a department knowing the county prosecutor is trying to dismantle a board he has worked hard to develop.

We still don’t understand why Mayer blindsided Parker by taking his complaints to commissioners instead of addressing his issues with Parker first.

Some progress, however, has been made. It appears Mayer may get some of his people on the board without sacrificing Parker’s wishes. Whether they can work together remains to be seen.

This apparent power struggle must stop.

We urge all parties involved to drop their egos and remember that they are directly involved with the families of Richland County.

If the quality of life in Richland County is measured by the strength of our families, then this group — more than any other — can have a profound influence.

Editorial: Kasich rejects feds’ expensive 'gift'

We applaud Gov.-elect John Kasich for standing up for Ohio taxpayers and telling President Obama to take his $400 million and shove it.

Kasich has openly and vocally opposed the 3-C corridor project that one day may have provided passenger rail service between Cincinnati and Cleveland.

It’s not the idea that’s bad. It’s the bang for the buck that has Kasich and others so opposed to the plan. It’s also a federal project disguised as a gift that has huge tax implications for Ohio taxpayers.

So far there has been no way to determine what the passenger rail service would cost the state.

For sure it will cost a lot more than $400 million.

However, there’s still a slim chance that the money could be used to improve Ohio’s freight lines — an idea that would actually improve the state economy.

“I wouldn’t expect it,” Kasich said Thursday. “I made it clear to (the Obama administration) that I want to use the money for freight rail. ... If you’re for flexibility, give us the money and let us solve our problems.”

This is the kind of leadership we need in Columbus. Kasich already has shown that he is willing to work with the feds as long as Ohio benefits.

“So are we going to get it? I don’t think so,” he said. “I’m not real optimistic that we are going to get a lot of flexibility on anything. I hope I’m wrong.”

On a positive note, we also applaud Obama for reaching out to the newly elected governors recently.

It showed a willingness to work with the states and get some real buy-in as we all look for ways to move this country forward again.

Editorial: Westinghouse played key role in Mansfield economy

News last week that the old Westinghouse factory would be torn down drew mixed emotion. But after an initial sigh of reflection passed, there was a general feeling that it’s past time to say farewell to this Mansfield landmark.

There is no word yet on what will take it’s place, but anyone with a sense of value will agree that removing this Goliath makes the acreage far more valuable.

News Journal columnist, Ron Simon, recently described the old factory as a “huge, humpbacked whale of a structure.”

And reporter Lou Whitmire said the building reminded a lot of people of better days, of high employment in the city.

During the 1940s the plant employed more than 8,000 people, and for a time was the largest employer in Mansfield.

The factory finally closed in 1990 after 50 years of producing Westinghouse firsts: the fully automatic electric range, an upright freezer and a frost-free refrigerator.

Thanks to Westinghouse and others, Mansfield became known as a major player in the world economy.

Times changed and one by one the factories closed.

Now, as developers remove these decaying structures, Mansfield once again finds itself with an opportunity to redefine itself in a leaner economy.

As we bid farewell to this landmark that through the years provided a living to so many in Mansfield, we remain hopeful that others will see Mansfield’s value.

Editorial: Mansfield-Miss Ohio breakup averted

One thing is certain, The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program is no stranger to drama.

During the last two months, Mansfield residents waited for the decision on the future of the program.

Would it stay in Mansfield, where it has seen a successful partnership for the last 36 years, or would it be wooed away by a competitive bid from the city of Zanesville?

Community leaders met with the Miss Ohio Scholar-ship Board of Directors on Wednesday and came up with an agreement that would keep the program in Mansfield for at least another three years.

Zanesville Mayor Butch Zwelling has been working hard for the last few years to make his city the new home for the pageant.

He claims he was offering The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program almost $400,000 in in-kind donations and cash during the next three years.

It wasn’t enough.

Lee Tasseff, director of the Mansfield-Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, impressed the board by showing how the program would benefit from the city’s partnership.

Tasseff went through the organization’s wish list — which is still top secret — point by point.

“We said they were all doable,” Tasseff said. “If they’re sticking around, we intend for it to be a partnership.”

Going forward, that partnership will be the key to the success of the program in Mansfield.

Like other headline events throughout the year, the program has been used as a way to spotlight our city, bring in visitors and spread the message that Mansfield remains a major player in Ohio’s economy.

The program itself, however, isn’t much of an economic driver, but it would be a serious blow to Mansfield’s psyche to lose the show.

We’re glad to know that we have community leaders who recognize its value and were willing to fight to keep the program in Mansfield.

Editorial: MedCentral gives area bragging rights

Although Richland County has been hit as hard as any community from the economic downturn, we still have plenty to brag about.

Near the top of the list of assets has to be MedCentral.

The announcement this week that MedCentral Health System’s cardiac catheterization laboratory ranked third in Ohio and is in the top 5 percent in the nation for coronary intervention procedures is something the entire community can be proud of.

“We didn’t go about this to achieve awards but to improve health care and heart care,” said Dr. Gregory Eaton, director of cardiovascular medicine.

Eaton went on to describe MedCentral as “a hidden jewel” in the Mansfield area.
He’s right.

There are many factors that determine a community’s livability. The ability to take care of our own is vital to our success and future growth. The men and women who provide MedCentral’s top rated cardiac services take pride in their work and deserve the recognition they receive.

As one of the biggest employers in the county, MedCentral draws many other peripheral businesses to the area. The compounding economic effect would be impossible to measure.

“The bottom line is those facilities that can provide high-quality care at low cost would be an attractive venue to attract new businesses,” Eaton said.

This is the third year MedCentral’s heart surgery program earned a five-star rating by HealthGrades for both coronary bypass and valve replacement surgery.

However, it is the first time the hospital has earned a five-star rating for the treatment of heart failure.

We congratulate MedCentral for its achievement.

Editorial: Canceled leaf pickup frustrates residents

The announcement by Mayor Don Culliver last week that the city would not pick up leaves this year brought out the frustration residents have for city leaders.

The city stands to save somewhere between $100,000 and $250,000 or more by avoiding the leaf collection this year.

The timing of the announcement — just as the first leaves began to fall — was far too late in the year to decide that an expected city service would no longer be available.

“Stick it to the taxpayer, they must see that we have to cut back,” the city fathers seem to be saying.

The city is scraping the bottom of its barrel to come up with some way to save costs as it enters the first year of its fiscal emergency.

Is this the best way to do it?

Let’s put this into perspective.

When the city had the chance to renegotiate union contracts for city workers last week, it didn’t.

When the city had the chance to save on its health insurance costs in August, it didn’t.

We wonder if Mayor Culliver and City Council really understand what kind of financial situation we are in.

When the city collects tax dollars, we expect something in return. Police and fire protection are at the top of the list. Beyond that we expect any number of things we’ve been promised — potholes filled, working sewers, streets cleared of snow.

An announcement late in the year that there will be no leaf pickup might appear to be a wise move to save some money, but long-term it could end up costing the city a lot more — especially if major work is required to fix sewers clogged with leaves.

For sure it has cost the city any credibility it had with its already frustrated residents.