STEUBENVILLE — Two men are going head-to-head in the primary election balloting for Steubenville’s Fourth Ward Council.

The May 6 ballot pits the incumbent, Royal Mayo, against newcomer Marc Barnes.

Barnes, a Republican, currently leads First Fridays on Fourth Street, teaches at the College of St. Joseph and, with his wife and friends, runs the Steubenville Grocery Box on North 4th Street.

Mayo, completing his first term as Fourth Ward councilman, chose not to participate in the 2025 election coverage.

Marc Barnes

Marc Barnes

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. Where would your priority be and why?

“My priority is the revitalization of downtown Steubenville: getting grants, opening up great businesses in downtown Steubenville, making beautiful and safe spots for families, making Steubenville the festival destination of the Ohio Valley, and building up the Steubenville spirit. If elected, I’ll make sure millions of dollars go directly to rebuilding our beautiful downtown.”

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

“Drugs and the people who deal them; roads that haven’t been paved since Genesis; a dysfunctional city council used by its members for the sake of grandstanding; a fear of doing the obvious good things staring us all in the face (like fixing the sidewalks, planting the trees on Fourth Street, arresting known dealers, etc.); the lack of strong leadership and the lack of a clear plan for Steubenville.”

What can/would you do differently?

“I would set up a Steubenville First Investment Strategy: we’ve got wealth here in Steubenville, but it is leaving our city in the form of money spent on parasitical corporations and out-of-town investments. I will double the number of festivals and events in my ward. I will award Fourth Ward citizens who beautify their ward. I will plant the trees on Fourth Street. I’ll work with at least three new businesses to open up shop in the Fourth Ward.”