February 22, 2000
Lincoln logs victory as favorite of area officials
By Erik Burriss
Staff Writer
In an utterly unscientific and completely nonrandom poll of area officials to find their favorite -- not necessarily the best -- president, Abraham Lincoln ranked number one.
"He served in a time that was crucial," Seneca County Prosecutor Ken Egbert Jr. said. "He led the country through a civil war."
"I like his philosophy," county Commissioner Janet Dell said, "what that man went through and how much he cared for the union and the country."
Lincoln had the courage, Commissioner Ken Estep said, "to do what he had to do."
Of 17 township, village, city and county officials polled, five picked the 16th president. Ronald Reagan and John Kennedy tied with four-and-a-half votes each. The other vote-getters were Thomas Jefferson with two and Harry Truman with one.
Third Ward Councilman Todd Edmond split his vote between Reagan and Kennedy.
Edmond, a high school history teacher, said Kennedy is his favorite president to study because "it was the last time people trusted the president and believed in him"
However, he said, Reagan is his sentimental favorite because "I felt the safest when Reagan was president."
First Ward Councilman Dale Depew said the Cold War ended because Reagan stood up for what he believed in.
"He had goals and set out to address them," Depew said, "most notably the end of the Evil Empire."
Those who chose Kennedy often gave reasons that were more abstract.
Fourth Ward Councilman Michael Grandillo said Kennedy "brought a positive spirit to the nation that still holds -- duty and optimism."
"You could relate to him," City Council President Keith Kirchner said. "He had everybody spellbound."
Several people made their choice because of a president's communication skills.
"He didn't try to go over peoples heads," said Bloomville Mayor David Zartman said of Reagan. "He wasn't an elitist."
At Large Councilman Pete Galipeau picked Harry Truman because "he was a straight talker. You don't often see politicians that are that forthcoming."
Others picked their favorite president for more sentimental reasons.
"Reagan was the first guy I could vote for," county commissioner Jeff Wagner said. "I've been a Reagan baby ever since."
Mayor Bernie Hohman said he picked Kennedy for the same reason.
"His was the first presidential campaign I got involved in," he said. "I had a bumper sticker and a pin."