Man in the Mirror

When David Hersher was elected to Massillon City Council in 2007, the first thing he did, the first legislative initiative he pushed, was to raise sewer rates. It wasn't exactly a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington moment. We doubt that when he was canvassing the community for votes, people were telling him how much sewer rates needed to be raised. No, we don't envision people saying, "Now Dave, when you get to City Hall, you make sure to raise our sewer rates, OK?"

Hersher, as Chairman of the Environmental Committee, proposed raising our sewer rates about two months after being sworn into office. Perhaps, upon taking office, he thoroughly studied Massillon's sewer system, and independently came to the conclusion that sewer rates were too low. Perhaps.

Or perhaps it was Massillon's Mayor for Life who explained to our then rookie councilman that Mr. Hersher would indeed be the one to take a hit for the team, and introduce the legislation to raise sewer rates, and that was just the way it was going to be.

We are going out on a limb, and guessing that probably our mayor probably influenced our new councilman to do his bidding and propose a sewer rate hike.

David Hersher has been a reliable rubber stamp ever since.

When young Dave was growing up, saying the pledge of allegiance, and dreaming of a career in public service, we doubt he thought, "you know, one day I'm going to run for office and rubber stamp for Frank Cicchinelli." We hope he had some idealism, and some independence, that is still buried deep within, that may one day fight its way out.

David Hersher, by all accounts, is opposed to our Mayor for Life's annexation of the Tuslaw School District. This opposition came from his own mouth;

"Hersher, too, said he is inclined to vote against the annexation based upon the public outcry" (The Independent, August 21, 2010).

"I'm afraid this (annexation) is not the best way to represent Massillon" (The Independent, August 21, 2010).

"It doesn't add up to being a net gain (to the city)" (The Independent, September 6, 2010).

It appears that Councilman Hersher is opposed, in principle, to this annexation. But Councilman Hersher is most likely vexed. David Hersher has been the most reliable of rubber stamps for Massillon's Mayor for Life. He has never bucked our Mayor for Life on a major issue. Never.

He might like to vote no, but we are guessing he just can't do it.

David! It's time to man up.

It's time to have some dignity and self respect. It's time to be your own man. You really didn't run for city council to be a perpetual lackey, did you? You must have an idea, or two, of your own, right? It's time you found them. We really don't care if you are for the annexation, or if you are against the annexation. Based on your own words though, it would appear that you are against the annexation. Fine. Be a man, and vote your conscience this one time.

Don't let the mayor bully you, and threaten you. Don't let his loyal enforcer, Glenn Gamber, work you over either. Vote your conscience. Man up. When you look in the mirror, you won't have to feel ashamed of the councilman looking back at you if you finally do that which you believe to be right.