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STEUBENVILLE -- The two candidates seeking Steubenville's First Ward seat want to make life better for residents of the South End.
The Nov. 7 general election ballot pits the incumbent, Asantewa Anyabwile, a Democrat, against Republican Dave Albaugh, chair of the city's Parks and Recreation board.
Asantewa Anyabwile
• Anyabwile, 68, is finishing her first term on council. She's on the board of the Community Action Council, has been a director of the nonprofit Labelle Neighbors Who Care for 12 years, has taught a fitness class for more than10 years and promotes and teaches natural health classes and cares for elders in the community.
Q: Why should First Ward voters choose you?
"So that I can continue to do the work that I have started. I believe I continue to drive council to focus more on issues that would not be addressed if I weren't there such as dilapidated housing; overgrowth in weeds; lack of access to resources such as fresh produce downtown; continue to push drug enforcement to get rid of drug houses, particularly in the South End; and continue to advocate for more people of color and women to be hired in city positions especially in the police department, fire department and in supervisory positions. I advocate to dissolve other disparities in equality. I also assist in getting legislation passed to better the community such as the new city owned ambulance service."
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the city over the next decade and how would you address it?
Like many places, bringing in new economic development and attracting investors to the city is very challenging. There is a reason why we aren't seeing growth similar to our surrounding areas. I will continue to address ways of getting the city to be more business-friendly, like trying to offer more incentives to businesses who want to rehab and retrofit downtown buildings as opposed to tearing them down, and plan to make the marina, boat slips and the waterfront more accessible to attract business. Put more lighting in dark areas. This has proven to be a deterrent for crime. I can say that this council is starting to look to the future and not just looking at stop-gap measures and temporary solutions to long-term issues. When making decisions we ask the question: "How is this decision going to affect future generations?" City legislators need to invest in all areas of the city, especially impoverished ones such as the South End. Residents pay taxes and we all deserve to have a good, sound infrastructure, paved streets in our neighborhoods, recreational activities and areas for our families, including pets."
Q: There have been multiple allegations of sign-stealing and other improprieties during this election particularly in your ward. Do you, as a candidate, condone it? Have you communicated your position to your supporters?
"I believe in fair elections and I do not condone such behavior as I stated in my letter to the editor at the Herald-Star ("Councilwoman seeks support," Oct. 15.) I want to win based on fair principles, who I am, and what I have done for this community while on council and in other capacities. With that being said, I believe residents should not feel pressured into putting signs in their yards if they don't want them. In some cases, residents have had their signs stolen, but in others, residents have removed the signs themselves. I want people to vote for me based on my character, my accomplishments since being in office and what I will continue to actuate if re-elected. My position has always been to improve this community and to improve the livelihoods of the people."
Q: What do you see as the biggest impediment to economic growth in Steubenville? And, conversely, what gives you hope for the future?
"I see the mindset of city officials as the biggest encumbrance, roadblock and hindrance. We can't keep approaching situations with the same ideas of the past and expect a different outcome. Times continue to change and we must change with them or we'll continue to be left in the past tearing down more buildings and not attracting business opportunities. We have to open our collective mind for the sake of life and the growth of this community, as well as be creative in finding new ways to approach old issues. I can say that bringing on grant writers is a positive step in the forward direction. Once we change our thinking, we can look beyond the boundaries of "the box". We have to stop saying why "we can't" and start saying, "how can we?" I always hear the reason that we don't have the money. Again, when we open our minds to ideas like hiring grant writers, doors open to funding. We must change the energy toward the positive for not only the survival of this town but for the potential growth and prosperity of it."
Q: Work/education:
"I am a graduate of Steubenville High School and Ohio State University, and did post-graduate work at Cal State, Los Angeles. I am a retired case manager for mental health and drug addiction and still consult in these areas. I am employed to assist borrowers with their student loans."
Anyabwile resides at 472 Spring Ave, Steubenville.
David Albaugh
• Albaugh, 58, has been on Steubenville's Board of Parks and Recreation for six years, currently serving as chairperson. He's been an elder at Two Ridge Presbyterian Church for six years and chairs its building and grounds committee. He's volunteered throughout the city for years, mowing grass at Beatty Park, Steubenville City Schools and with the Big Red Boosters. He's also donated time and firewood to Historic Fort Steuben for many activities.
Q: Why should First Ward voters choose you?
"The First Ward voters should vote for me because I do not have a personal agenda. I just want to see the ward represented properly and the city of Steubenville thrive. I have lived in the First Ward for more than 30 years and attended many council meetings in that time span. Now that I am a retired ironworker, I will be able to give my full attention to council if elected. I am uniquely qualified to understand the tasks ahead and solve problems while working with others toward a common goal due to working as a supervisor and general foreman in the construction field for 30 years, being a church elder and being a member of the board of directors for parks and recreation."
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the city over the next decade and how would you address it?
"Economic growth has been stagnant in the Steubenville area for many years. There is hope in what has been going on downtown, the revamping downtown and the revamping of the Sears building, and Dunham Sports coming to the West End. We need to embrace new business and nurture the existing businesses. First, I would partner with city leaders to evaluate what current incentives are in place to attract new business and retain existing businesses. Next, I will evaluate the ones that are effective and which ones aren't. Last, I will work with other council members and city leaders to create new incentives to make Steubenville "business friendly."
Q: What do you see as the biggest impediment to economic growth in Steubenville? And, conversely, what gives you hope for the future?
"In my opinion, the biggest impediment to economic growth in Steubenville is a lack of a strong united vision and plan. Conversely, having the opportunity to speak with many residents and business leaders while campaigning provided me with the knowledge that a unified vision can be attained through a strong and determined council. I am encouraged seeing the many groups (First Friday organizers, Harmonium Project, Friends of Beatty Park, activities at the fort and the Steubenville Nutcracker Village) working hard to make Steubenville a destination."
Q: The bedrock of democracy is a fair and free election, yet there've been multiple allegations of sign-stealing and other improprieties during this election cycle, particularly in your ward. Do you, as a candidate, condone it? Have you communicated that position to your supporters?
"No. I don't condone it. I have had some personal experience with it. That type of behavior discourages other potentially wonderful candidates from entering the campaign. I have discussed this issue with a few people; however, I would rather continue campaigning on a positive note and focus on the issues and my platform."
Q: Work/education:
"I graduated from Jefferson Union High School in 1983. I have lived in the South End of Steubenville for 30 years with my wife and children. I was employed as a union iron worker for 30 years. I worked as a superintendent and general foreman for many projects throughout the U.S. and Canada."
Albaugh resides at 660 Arden Ave.