AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - Four of the five candidates for Austintown Township trustee took part in a community forum Wednesday night, outlining where they stand on police funding, township finances and economic development ahead of the November election.

Incumbents Monica Deavers and Robert Santos joined former trustee Jim Davis and first-time candidate Carl Clay on stage. Michael Rapovy was unable to attend. Emily Ciccone previously withdrew from the race.

Much of the discussion centered on the police levy returning to the November ballot after last year’s failure. Deavers said long-term, stable funding remains a priority. “We need sustainable, long-term funding for our police department — and continued transparency with our residents,” she said.

Davis pressed for stricter budgeting: “We ha

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