Two seek 5th Ward Follansbee Council seat
Wendy DeAngelis
Joe Kafton
Wendy DeAngelis
Joe Kafton
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FOLLANSBEE -- Voters in the city's 5th Ward will determine which of two residents will represent them on Follansbee Council when they go to the polls on June 13.
The two candidates for the 5th Ward council seat in the city's general election are incumbent Wendy DeAngelis of 218 Highland Hills Drive and challenger Joe Kafton of 104 Piper Place.
In her fourth year on council, DeAngelis is a registered nurse, having worked for Trinity Health System for many years, and currently prepares Hancock County students for work in the field as an instructor and Skills USA advisor. She also is a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.
She said if re-elected, she will work with others "to make sure our community is a safe, healthy place citizens can be proud of. Council is looking at updating present city ordinances and establishing new ones that will be enforced to help better the city."
DeAngelis said she has supported the acquisition of grants for projects currently in development, including improvements to the city's water and wastewater treatment systems and renovations to its firehouse and will support the continued search for grants for recreational facilities, such as pickle ball and basketball courts and lighting and restrooms for parks.
She said to prevent young adults from moving from the city, "Economic development is needed and we need to make sure we have the infrastructure to support it."
"I am here to help with any issues the residents of the 5th Ward have. I am a problem-solver and communicate well with others, which enables me to better serve as a councilwoman."
Kafton has worked in private industry for 12 years, serving currently as a process safety manager in the oil and gas industry and holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University in fire and safety engineering.
A 17-year member of the city's volunteer fire department, he serves as second assistant chief and on its executive board. He is certified in the handling of hazardous materials, leadership and other aspects of firefighting and is a nationally certified fire and explosion investigator.
He is secretary of the Brooke County Firefighters Association and a member of the Brooke County Ambulance Authority.
Kafton said if elected, he will ensure the city's police and fire departments "receive the resources they need to function at the highest level possible. Keeping the lines of communication open between council and these departments is critical to their success."
"To foster much needed economic growth, we must eliminate unnecessary red tape and inefficient processes while being decisive, efficient, collaborative, supportive and open to feedback. Without businesses in the city, many of the essential services we rely on may become severely impacted or even non-existent," he said.
Kafton said he would "work to create opportunities for citizen engagement to allow them to share their thoughts and ideas with the leaders in our city."