MINGO JUNCTION — A pool of five candidates has emerged to fill two seats on Mingo Junction Council in the Nov. 4 general election.

They are challenger William R. Andress Jr. of 126 Holly Ave., incumbent Mark Baker of 228 Petrick Ave., challenger Christopher Horner of 316 Summit Ave., incumbent Adam Peeler of 307 Carlisle Ave. and challenger John D. Wright Sr. of 205 Eleanor St.

Andress and Wright have filed as official write-in candidates, meaning voters will need to write their names into their ballots if they wish to support them.

Bill Andress

Andress is employed as a residential support specialist at the Eastern Ohio Correctional Facility and has worked in sales, remodeling and heavy equipment at various times.

He is earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal support services from the University of Phoenix.

Andress said as president of a local youth football league, he worked with others to pay off a $48,000 debt owed by the league, established a concession stand to generate revenue, purchased new uniforms and helmets and left it in the black.

He said if elected, he would work to find ways to generate much-needed revenue for the village, including changing laws to allow online drawings like those held, until recently, by Wintersville Fire and Rescue; push for community events that may be held on the grassy lots created with the razing of dilapidated structures on Commercial Avenue, and engage local youth in community cleanups.

“I’m hoping to change the culture here. Hopefully, we can bring the community spirit back,” said Andress.

Mark Baker

In his sixth year on council, Baker is employed as house manager at the Pavilion at Star Lake, where he supervises maintenance staff, ushers and ticket takers.

He is a member of the GKL Sportsman Association, serving on its board for eight years, and the Mingo Sportsman Club.

Prior to serving on council, he worked for the village for 32 years in its street and sewer departments.

Baker said that provided him with valuable knowledge of the village’s operations and, if re-elected, he will push for records of street paving and repairs for future planning.

He said a $30 monthly surcharge paid by water customers will allow debt for the water plant to be paid off by the end of the year and increased water rates approved by council will make the village eligible for grants for improvements.

Baker said the village’s swimming pool has been refurbished, with the baby pool replaced by a splash pad, and he will suggest events with food and craft vendors for the new vacant lots along Commercial Avenue.

Christopher Horner

A member of the Mingo Junction Fire Department, Horner has served as a firefighter for 25 years and in law enforcement for 10 years and completed courses for criminal justice certifications through the former Eastern Gateway Community College.

He is a member of Harrison Hills Church.

Horner said if elected, he would work with others to bring more businesses to Mingo Junction, update the village’s infrastructure and ensure streets are properly paved.

“I believe that the current council has forgotten that they were elected by the citizens to make decisions on their behalf that are in their best interest,” he said. “Due to recent events, I feel they are more interested in serving personal interests than the good of the village.”

Adam Peeler

In his 12th year on council, Peeler is a territory sales manager for Anton Paar, which produces analytical instruments for laboratories.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Peeler said if re-elected, he will work “to improve the livability of the community by attracting more businesses. For example, I have worked for several years to bring a grocery store to the town and I’m proud to say that work is currently underway by the new owners of the former DiCarlo’s Market property. While the current focus will be grocery/convenience store items, there are longer term plans to consider offering gasoline sales.”

“I consider it an honor to serve on Village Council. I take it very seriously and always try to bring a level-headed and respectful approach to the position. I believe the administration has done good work and I hope to have the opportunity to continue as a part of the ongoing efforts,” he said.

“I’m seeking another term as councilman, to work together and serve the people.”

John D. Wright

Wright retired in 2020 from the Mingo Junction Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter and paramedic for 28 years and as chief for nine years.

He is a graduate of the Ohio State Fire Academy and obtained certification as a basic level emergency medical technician, paramedic, fire safety inspector and, through the National Fire Academy, as a rescue specialist.

Wright is a graduate of Mingo Junction High School and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, where he received training in small engine and diesel repair.

He said if elected, he would “help return the fire department to the level it once was. We currently have no full-time paramedics and only one active part-time paramedic. Taxpayers are paying a 2 percent income tax and EMS levy. They deserve paramedics at all times.”

He said he’d work with others to re-establish full-time police coverage, push for the property maintenance program to be restarted and strictly enforced and “do everything possible to attract new businesses,” so the village doesn’t rely largely on the steel industry.