STEUBENVILLE — Come January, there’s going to be a new face in the mayor’s seat at Steubenville City Council.

The incumbent mayor, Jerry Barilla, is term-limited and can’t run.

Hoping to fill the gap in the May primary election balloting are Republicans Kimberly Hahn, 67, and Ralph Petrella, 36, 1665 Moreland Drive. There’re no Democrat or Independent candidates for mayor on the primary ballot.

Hahn, 718 Belleview Blvd., has eight years of governmental experience, having served as Council at large from 2016 to 2023.

Petrella, son of the late Craig Petrella, a long-time councilman, has never held office, but said he’s “spent many years of my life being raised in the council chambers, watching my father serve our great city.”

Ralph Petrella

Council is facing difficult and costly funding decisions to address pressing needs — a new fire station, new equipment, environmentally mandated water and sewer upgrades, recreation updates, rehabbing/demolishing dilapidated properties. What area(s) would you encourage council to prioritize and why?

“First, we need to identify the biggest area of NEEDS of our city opposed to the wants. We also have to continue to find ways to bring revenue into the city to have a better financial foothold. I think addressing poorly managed properties will better entice businesses and industry into our city, thus generating more revenue to be able to (do) our mandated improvements to our city infrastructure.”

What, if anything, do you think is holding the city back?

“I believe having a more youthful leadership will bring a new perspective to old problems. Each generation finds different ways to solve problems. Doing things the same way they’ve always been done is greatly holding our city back immensely.”

What can/would you do differently as mayor?

“Mayor Barilla is doing a great job with our city, however there are different perspectives I bring to the city. I would engage with our youth and act as a bridge/recruiter to our young citizens in order to enhance their pride in our city. I would also proactively encourage all of our citizens to participate in our local government through technology and transparency.”

Occupation:

“I’m currently the co-owner of Syna Strength and Wellness, Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator of Wheeling University, and adjunct professor at Bethany College. I also am a member of the Jefferson County Juvenile Task Force and an assistant mentor for ‘Kids academy,’ as well as a volunteer with ‘Our Place of Jefferson County’.”

Kimberly Hahn

Council is facing difficult and costly funding decisions to address pressing needs–a new fire station, new equipment, environmentally mandated water and sewer upgrades, recreation updates, rehabbing/demolishing dilapidated properties. What area(s) would you encourage council to prioritize and why?

“Every year there are different funding crises. I’m proud of my record of eight consecutive years on Council, balancing our City budget, while funding the new water tower, establishing the Fire Department’s Ambulance Service, addressing consent decrees with our water and sewer service, improving our major parks, renovating the old City Building, and addressing blight. I think that a new fire station should be a high priority.

“Supplementing our tax dollars with grant monies is key: I will search for grants to stretch our tax dollars. We also can increase our tax base by pursuing economic development.”

What, if anything, do you think is holding the city back?

“We need a broader vision for our future. We can appreciate our past while forging our future together. I want local leadership to be more responsive, communicating a five-year plan for development, dealing with blighted and vacant properties, paving streets, and ongoing water and sewer improvements.

What can/would you do differently as mayor?

“I will host town halls across our city, listening to the concerns of our people, including Council members who represent that area. Public forums could help us as City leaders to connect people with already-existing resources and to develop goals for the concerns not being addressed yet.”

Occupation:

“My main job: I’ve been married to Scott for 45 years, and I am a mother of six and grandmother of 23. I’m an author of six books and speaker for the St. Paul Center across the U.S. and overseas.”