TOM BERNABEI "A HUGE HELP" TO NEW SARTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIRT CONRAD; BUT A "BURDEN" TO CANTON MAYOR WILLIAM J. HEALY, II?

Kirt Conrad, who took over the helm at the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority about six weeks ago, appeared at the Stark County commissioners' weekly meeting last week to introduce himself.

In doing so he provides a thumbnail sketch of recent developments at SARTA and he heaped praise (see video below) on interim Executive Director Thomas Bernabei for his command of the SARTA situation and his indispensable role in making the transition to new leadership an easy process.

Hmm?

So Bernabei is effective at SARTA but not with the Healy administration.

Public transportation is one of the most difficult administrative tasks in all of America; not just Canton.  With no prior experience Bernabei takes over (March, 2009) a extremely difficult job on short notice and is highly effective and in a posiiton to bring the new director up-to-speed in short order.

Yet he is not good enough for Mayor William J. Healy, II.

The SCPR presents this contrast to show how utterly out-of-touch Mayor Healy is in dealing with the gargantuan task of administrating Ohio's eighth largerst urban area.

Healy needs all the help he can get.

The two most effective administrators that once served in his administration are no more.

Why?

Because of Healy's out-of-control ego, that's why.

There couldn't be a better example of a politician's ego being an albatross around the neck that not only drags down the politician, but also is bringing the once proud, great Hall-of-Fame city to her knees.

Back to Executive Director Conrad.

Undoubtedly, he has received a warm welcome to Stark County.  Hopefully, he brings with him skills and insights that will help make up for the deficiencies that are painfully obvious as existing on City Hall's 8th floor.

Here is the video of Director Conrad at the October 7th county commissioners meeting.