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STEUBENVILLE -- The two men who want to be Steubenville's next 6th Ward representative to City Council each have a vision for the future, but that's where the similarity stops.
Republican Michael Hernon, 217 Efts Lane, and write-in candidate Charles DiPalma, 156 Greenwich Ave., are battling for the 6th Ward Council seat in Tuesday's general election.
The winner will fill the seat being vacated by incumbent Bob Villamagna, who chose not to run for re-election.
Hernon, 49, is president of a nonprofit organization. He said the events of the last few years "convinced me that we need men and women on the local level to step up to serve."
"Too quickly, many of us get frustrated over things we can have little influence over," he said. "I love our city and believe our best days are ahead of us. But our city can only thrive when we all see that we have a way to contribute. I think public service is a noble calling, and this is a small way I could help make our city great. But ultimately, after prayer and consultation with my wife of 27 years, Alicia, we have decided that I should run again for Steubenville City Council."
Having worked in politics on the national, state, and local level, he said he understands the system and how it works.
"I have connections, experience and ideas from all these levels that I will bring to City Council in order to better the lives of our citizens," he said. "In addition, as a co-founder of a nonprofit organization, I understand the importance of small business and some of the challenges that they face every day. In my past positions for national initiatives and most recently as vice president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, I have had to create and implement plans to accomplish strategic goals. I believe we need to be strategic in our approach to the City and think outside the box to make the changes we need to develop Steubenville."
If elected, he said he sees numerous ways government can create a more business friendly environment in Steubenville.
"Small business owners take risks, invest time and resources and I believe we can enhance how we as a city are assisting and getting out of their way," he said. "We must examine how we are assisting and helping our current businesses and how we are attracting new ones. Government should never be an obstacle to economic development, therefore we need to evaluate how we as a city are allowing businesses to thrive."
Hernon said the city "can and must do more to encourage business growth."
"This is not just an economic issue but about the quality of life of our community," he said. "Happily, two of my adult children have decided to raise their families here. Many of the children of our city have moved on for jobs elsewhere. I want to do my part to make our city a great place to raise children, enjoy life and work, which means a city that encourages business growth."
He said his familiarity with public services and politics at the national, state and local level during the past 20 years has prepared him to serve as councilman.
"I was honored to serve one term as council at large in Steubenville and would be honored to serve once again," he said. "After working at Franciscan University as a vice president for 10 years, I am currently the president of a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening marriage and family life. I believe my experience leading organizations oriented to serving others has prepared me to serve the city. But possibly more importantly, I have a love for (the city.)"
DiPalma, 33, is a second-year apprentice in the United Association program.
"I am running for City Council because I believe that what our city needs is young blood with new and lively ideas," he said. "This is exactly what I offer, as well as the desire to preserve our city's beloved history. My father, who died in February 2019, made me aware of our city's great history. This, alongside my firsthand knowledge of our infrastructure -- from what goes on underground to maintenance to our roofs -- puts me in a great position to understand what it takes to effectively take on these projects that will ultimately benefit our city. I have the insight to find the most cost-effective method of undertaking these projects without being robbed of our hard-earned tax dollars."
DiPalma said the "combination of my youth, excitement to bring positive change to this city and my love for preserving our history makes me a solid candidate for City Council."
"I want to bring new ideas to the table, while simultaneously working to preserve our beloved history," he said.
DiPalma said Steubenville faces many issues, "especially financial."
"I firmly believe that finance is the key to progress," he said. "A strong, balanced budget in the present alongside a vision for a better tomorrow is what our city needs. I have attended some city council meetings and have yet to hear any talk of the future from anyone, including my opponent. We cannot just pray for a better future, we must prepare for it."
If he's elected, DiPalma said finances would be his legislative priority "so we can make sure that all city departments are significantly financed and able to do what needs to be done to make our city strong again."
"I appreciate all of the constituents of this great city," he said. 'Please remember that if you choose me as your next 6th Ward councilman, that I am a write-in candidate. You will need to check the box for write-in candidate and write my name, Charles DiPalma, on the blank line provided."