Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are not published because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.
As a former zoning inspector in Paris Township, Portage County, I would like to share my insights on the “he-said-she-said” article about Windham’s zoning inspector. The problem with the article is that it focused on who the new inspector is, not the true root of the problem, which is officials bending rules to make people happy: in this case written township zoning resolutions and county policies.
Alvin Sweet is a retired detective for the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and surely has many acquaintances. When his son was denied a permit to build an accessory building on his property before his residence was built, Mr. Sweet went to the Portage County Building Office and requested an exception to the rule that a permit for an accessory building cannot be issued until the footer and foundation of the residence has been completed and inspected. I personally have been told this policy by Portage County Building Director Joe Bodnar and former Portage County Building Director Randy Roberts.
Pinti was simply following county policies and township resolutions. Instead of the Windham Trustees supporting Pinti and his decision to follow their township resolution, they tried to convince him to bend the rules. The lack of support from his trustees caused Pinti to resign. Pinti’s replacement is irrelevant. Trustees may hire anyone they choose.
I experienced similar problems as zoning inspector in Paris Township. Often there were times when the trustees would attempt to persuade me to bend the rules. As a result, I was also put in the position of disagreeing with our trustees. Ultimately, I was terminated. Being a zoning inspector is a thankless job and never worth the salary paid. When you don’t get support from your township and county officials it’s time to quit, as Joe Pinti did after more than a decade on the job.
— Steve Babbey
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