To the editor:
I attended the candidate forum at Eastern Gateway Community College on Oct. 19, and by the time it ended, it became clear that there was a big difference between the candidates on stage for Steubenville City Council.
Three candidates in particular stood out for their vision, enthusiasm for the city of Steubenville and for their knowledge of how government works. First Ward Councilwoman Asantewa Anyabwile, Steubenville High School Principal Ted Gorman and former council member and local business owner Scott Dressel all shined when asked questions about budgets, infrastructure, business development and more. You could feel the passion in their voices about their vision for the future of Steubenville as well as seeing their combined ability to get results over the last number of years in their own respective careers.
The three gentlemen running in the contested races from the Republican ticket, who are all honorable citizens who care about Steubenville's future -- as we all do -- didn't have any specific answers to questions about the needs of the city. I'm sure their intention in running for council is a genuine desire to improve our city, but none of them gave me the impression that they had specific answers about what they wanted to accomplish as a City Council member.
The candidate forum made it clear that the three best candidates for the future of Steubenville are Anyabwile, Gorman and Dressel. They showed they have what it takes to move us forward along with the proven ability to get things done.
Sandi Rue
Steubenville