Medina village official thanked for standing ground during feisty meeting

Editor:

“For in a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, ‘hold office’; every one of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve.” – John F. Kennedy

During a recent visit to the Kennedy Museum, I had the distinct and unsettling experience of coming face to face with the above quotation. At the February 24th Village of Medina board meeting, I experienced the sobering reality of what it meant in terms of responsible political leadership. The meeting lasted for almost 3 hours with the Village Board and audience sparring on a number of issues, and the dominant topic was the financing of a fire truck and the construction of an additional bay to house the vehicle.

The Medina firefighters, their respective union and supporters spoke to many frustrations and instances of prior years and other village boards that in their opinion failed to act proactively. The current administration is left to figure out how to move the project forward given the serious impact to village taxpayers.

With poise and empathy, Ms. Padoleski, who over 40 years rose through the Village ranks as a clerk, deputy clerk and clerk treasurer. She currently serves as a village trustee and deputy mayor, and took exception to the tone, demeanor and breakdown in communication she has experienced in navigating the fire truck bonding and fire hall addition projects.

Ms. Padoleski was firm, resolute and unflinching in her opinion that she would not be cajoled given the long-term financial implications to taxpayers. Although Ms. Padoleski’s comments were met at times with interruptions and background chatter, I remain optimistic that a return to civil discourse, common sense and mutual goals will resolve this impasse.

Ms. Padoleski by her persistence and demeanor reinforced in my mind what John F. Kennedy meant when he said “we the people are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership…we demand and deserve” and I personally thank her for it.

Gabrielle Barone

Medina