Lou Mucci says Frank Gliha is arrogant, out of touch and should be ashamed of himself

Arrogant and out of touch

Geauga County Auditor Frank Gliha ought to be ashamed of himself. But then again, personal shame is a trait that is lacking in most of our government officials today.

In typical political self-importance, Gliha proclaims from on high how the Burton Volunteer Fire Department should run and what facilities are appropriate for its mission. An appointed political hack by a GOP leadership out of touch with the voters and being strangled by its cadre of incompetents and hags, Gliha exposes for all to see the results of nepotism, cronyism and incompetence.

His quote in the recent Geauga County Maple Leaf article about the Burton Volunteer Fire Department illustrates why voters are fed up with politicians of his ilk. While berating Burton Township Trustees (for full disclosure, I am one of the trustees) for saving money, Gliha says, and I quote, "It's not prudent. Nobody should be able to stockpile (tax dollars)." Doesn't that just say it all? Gliha thinks it is not "prudent" to save money, we should just spend it.

Let's look at some facts to get a better perspective on just how out of touch Gliha's pronouncement is. Gliha was a long-serving trustee in Munson Township before his appointment as auditor, so it is reasonable to compare his record in Munson with that of Burton Township. Currently, Munson Township levees 12.25 mills on its property owners to fund the township's services. In Burton Township, the levee is 7.25 mills. In other words, the residents of Munson pay 69 percent higher taxes for the same township services, mainly to maintain and plow the roads and to provide fire and EMS service. Yes, Frank Gliha does enjoy spending other peoples' money.

Since the article in question deals with the fire department, let's look at some pretty strait forward facts. Fire and EMS service exists to provide for the public safety in times of emergency. As citizens, we pay to have the service available when it is needed. In other words, the cost to the township is the cost to have the fire trucks, EMS squads and trained personnel available and ready to roll on a moments notice.

For the Burton Volunteer Fire Department that cost is approximately $470,000 per year. For Munson, the cost is approximately $1,100,000 per year -- 134 percent more than Burton.

Burton fire department runs approximately 900 calls per year for an average cost of $522 per call. Munson fire department runs approximately 1,200 calls per year for an average cost of $916 per call -- 75% higher than Burton.

According to the 2007 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, Munson Township has a population of 6,710 while the Burton Volunteer Fire Department has a service-area population of 7,596. This means that Burton spends approximately $61.87 per person while Munson spends $163.93 per person, or 165 percent more per person. To be fair, Munson has four people on duty 24 hours per day while Burton has only three people on duty 24 hours per day, but even adjusting for that extra person on duty, Gliha's belief it is not prudent to save money manifests itself in substantially higher costs for taxpayers.

In the article Gliha goes on to say that although he has "heard" the Burton Fire Department wants to build a new building, he has not seen a concrete plan. Really? You mean, Mr. Gliha, you have not seen the plan that has been the subject of several well covered public meetings between all of the entities making up the Burton Volunteer Fire Department service area? The plan that has received written letters of recommendation from the auditor you replaced, from the county commissioners, from state Rep. Matt Dolan, state Sen. Tim Grendell, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Congressman Steve LaTourette?

Shame on you Mr. Frank Gliha for your callous, self righteous and arrogant attitude. The next time you decide to puff your chest and spout off, I suggest you actually do your homework first. Maybe then you will not be so careless in denigrating the hard work and sacrifice done by the Burton Volunteer Fire Department.

Lou Mucci

Burton Township Trustee