Nearly a month after dropping out of Middletown's 2007 mayoral race, longtime Councilman David Schiavone confirmed Monday that he wants to replace Michael Fox on the Butler County Board of Commissioners.And then there is this problem:
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If appointed to fill the remaining 18 months of Fox's term, Schiavone would become the first Middletonian to serve on the county commission in more than 20 years. Bill Donham was the last Middletown resident to hold a seat. The county commission seat pays $74,000 annually.
"I'm offering myself as a candidate to give the party a choice," said Schiavone, who has served 14 years on Middletown City Council and worked for the county for nearly 20 years.
If appointed on June 5, he also may give northern parts of the county, specifically Middletown, a voice. Some Middletown residents and political observers have said Middletown is "politically isolated" in Butler County. But having Schiavone on the board could change that.
"Middletown has not had countywide representation in a long time," said Steve Hightower, a local businessman and political activist. "Somehow Hamilton and West Chester have effectively dominated the county politics, but this (Schiavone's appointment) would be a very significant move toward unifying county politics in Butler County."
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Schiavone, a local real estate agent, said he didn't know what his chances are of winning the appointment, but he feels that he brings a lot of political experience to the table.
Schiavone's decision may surprise some considering just last month he announced he would not seek to become Middletown's first directly-elected mayor nor run for re-election when his current term on council expires in 2009. Schiavone cited time commitments as the reason for his decision. But on Monday, Schiavone said he would be able to handle county commitments with his work schedule.
As for questions about his resignation four years ago from the county Adult Probation Office, Schiavone said he "would be happy to answer any questions" from the Screening Committee.Not real sure what to think about that...
Schiavone and four other county probation officers resigned in 2003 after an investigation by Chief Probation Officer Gary Yates into allegations of misuse of county time.
He isn't interested in taking on Furmon:
Schiavone said he's been interested in running for county commissioner, but added he was not planning to run against incumbent Charles Furmon.Keeping the field open for Rawnica Dillingham...
