It's a clear-cut example of all that is wrong with our government. You probably read the story in our Friday edition regarding Summitville Tiles. That local, family operation is under the leadership of David Johnson. Johnson, also the longtime Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman, is making his displeasure loud and heard regarding the U.S. Army building a new elementary school near Fort Bragg. The Army - go figure - opted to award a no-bid contract for the building's wall tile to a German manufacturer. Summitville Tiles, like other American tile manufacturers, wasn't even given an opportunity to submit a bid which you think would be standard procedure. Don't ask why. We don't know.

The always pro-active Johnson contacted every member of the Ohio congressional delegation. This includes our U.S. Rep Charlie Wilson. He said he will stand up for Summitville Tiles. As he should - his job is to represent his people and pursue what is in the best interest of those he serves.

Johnson said the $250,000 contract wouldn't "make or break" the company. But, then again, a quarter-million dollar order would certainly be welcomed. Jobs are jobs, orders are orders. Summitville Tiles, which during its heyday had some 750 employees, would embrace the opportunity. Many people built homes and raised their families locally thanks to Summitville Tiles.

The sad irony - actually it's disgusting - is that our tax dollars going toward a new school at an army base of all places will go to foreigners. American-based manufacturers could provide the same service. And then some.

Summitville Tile is a classic example of a business that has withstood challenges, whether it be fires that wreaked havoc in the 1950s up to doggedly avoiding bankruptcy through hard work, savvy and perseverance just a few years. Those economic woes can be blamed on all the cheap, often less quality, imports that have been permitted to ravage our homeland industrial landscape. Other businesses know the feeling.

Summitville Tile is nearly a century old. It is what a successful American business is all about. It is a third generation family operation. Withstanding the test of time, it became one of the foremost ceramic tile manufacturers and distributors in the world. Its reputation for quality is impeccable. Its website touts Summitville Tiles as being American made and American owned since 1912. That is a great achievement of a local business that we should take with pride. It shouldn't be affected by the outsourcing of work by our own government. Let's hope Congressman Wilson and his colleagues don't just provide lip service on this concern. This is a legitimate issue that warrants wholesale pressure. Our government has some explaining to do.