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TORONTO -- On Nov. 7, voters in the city's 1st Ward will be asked to choose from two candidates for a seat representing them on Toronto Council.
They are Clark J. Crago of 611 East Fernwood Drive and Maureen Howard of 1411 Madison Ave.
Bob Bertram, the city's current 1st Ward councilman, has chosen not to seek re-election.
Clark Crago
Crago has been the chief and director of operations at the TEMS Ambulance District since its inception in 2002. Starting as a volunteer for the former Toronto Emergency Medical Service, he obtained an associate degree in paramedic science and rose to the position of president, serving in that capacity for five years.
"After 15 years of volunteer service, it was clear to me and others within the EMS organization that the demands of providing ambulance care to the community had become too great to remain a reliable volunteer service. I was instrumental in implementing a plan to create a new paid service that would staff personnel around the clock," said Crago.
He said he worked with local and area officials to establish the district and its present headquarters.
Crago served as a volunteer city firefighter for 32 years and was president and chief of its volunteer division.
He has been an investigator for the Jefferson County coroner's office and served on the county's emergency 911 board, health board, local emergency planning commission and other local boards.
He is a charter member and executive board member of the Ohio EMS Chiefs Association and was appointed to the Ohio Department of Public Safety subcommittees on EMS system development and rural EMS.
"If elected, I want to focus on upgrading our aging water infrastructure, promote economic development with new businesses and new jobs, and work closely with department heads, council and the mayor," said Crago.
"With my experience, I believe I've proven my ability to work within a budget, plan large capital projects, manage personnel and serve the public for the betterment of Toronto."
Maureen Howard
Howard has been employed by Thermofisher Scientific since 2015, serving currently as a credit collections manager for its health care, research and global export portfolios. She said the position often involves problem-solving matters involving personnel and financial matters.
"I like to look at the overall big picture," she said.
Howard is a member of the central and executive committees of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, serving as secretary, and coordinated a neighborhood watch program for her ward with help from Bertram, former city police chief Randy Henry and others.
Howard said through the years, fellow residents have come to her with various problems and she takes pride in having been able to direct them to the appropriate agencies and organizations that can help.
She said as mother of five and grandmother of six who have grown up in Toronto, she is concerned for the safety and well-being of all children in the city.
Howard said if elected, she will listen to the needs of 1st Ward residents to best represent them on council, "support current initiatives in our community's development, including the planned TIMET expansion, and advocate for programs that enhance a safe have environment for the elderly and youth."
"I have, and always will, stand up for what is right. I will fight for all of the citizens of Toronto," she said.