Local News

Write-ins vie for Steubenville Council at large post

STEUBENVILLE -- When they cast their ballots for Steubenville's council at large seat in the Nov. 7 election, voters will have to choose between a candidate who brings nearly two decades of experience starting and running his own business along with previous council experience, and another who spent nearly three decades years patrolling city streets and currently protects middle school students.

Longtime businessman, volunteer and former city councilman Scott Dressel is taking on Joel Walker, who's worked the past nine years as a school safety officer after serving 28 years on the city's police force, for the seat.

Both filed as write-ins, so voters will have to manually put their names on their ballots.

The winner will replace Kimberly Hahn in the post. Term limits prohibited Hahn from seeking another term.

Each candidate was asked to respond to four questions:

• Scott Dressel, 62, resides at 411 Madison Ave.

Q: Why should voters write your name on their ballot?

A: "I did a good job on council the last time I did it and can continue to do so. I have experience in running businesses both large and small that help me to work on city issues and problems. I've dedicated my life to growing a business in Steubenville and saving its history and attracting tourists to the area, while also taking care of my family. I have the background and education necessary to help me be an effective council person."

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the city -- and, by default, the next at-large council representative?

A: "Infrastructure and business development are the two largest issues facing the city. Improved infrastructure and business development also will lead to more prosperity and less crime. Redevelopment of vacant properties and demolitions as needed to reduce the neglected appearance of the city is a must. First impressions matter, and continued impressions after that. As people arrive in Steubenville what they see matters, especially if they are deciding to live here or to build or start a business here."

Q: How would you unify what has in recent years largely been a divided council?

A. "I always work to find the solution and consensus of everyone on the compromise needed to achieve the goals and solve the issues before council. My only agenda is a better Steubenville for everyone."

Q:Prior experience and education:

A: "I was raised in Minnesota. I have bachelor of arts degrees in business administration and political science from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, and worked in law, banking, advertising and marketing for 17 years. I now own and run my own business, which includes a Bed and Breakfast Inn and rental properties.

"My major volunteer work is the restoration of the Grand Theater in Steubenville. I also serve on the board of Historic Fort Steuben, the Steubenville Historic Landmarks Commission and am the president and lead volunteer of the Steubenville Historic Landmarks Foundation, which is the official entity that owns and is restoring the Grand Theater."

• Joel Walker, 62, resides at 338 Scenic Drive.

Q: Why should voters write your name on their ballot?

A: "Because I will bring a fresh new approach to council. I believe that the city needs new people who are willing to work together for the improvement of the whole city. What a new City Council puts in place now may not have instant results, but it will make the city better in the future. We must also realize that even if something works other places it might not work here, and we must have the willingness to own our mistakes and change what is not working. Also, what is put in place must have the support in the future to be able to sustain itself."

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the city -- and, by default, the next at large council representative?

A: "Working together and figuring out why other cities around us are moving forward at a better pace than we are."

Q: How would you unify what has in recent years largely been a divided council?

A: "I have the willingness to work with anyone to make the city better for its citizens and future generations."

Q: Prior experience and education:

A: "I worked for the city of Steubenville for 28 years as a police officer and I am in my ninth year as a safety officer at Harding Middle School. I have some college, but I have received on-going education as a police officer and a school safety officer."