To the editor:
I trust all is well and that you are being the best that you can be in this moment in time.
As most of you are aware, I am a native of Steubenville. I was raised here, attended the public schools, graduated from Steubenville High School (Big Red) and am a graduate of Ohio State University. I left for a time and brought my family back here to raise. I knew this would be the best place for my kids to grow up.
When I moved back, I saw how Steubenville had changed from when I was young. I wanted to help the town thrive again. I became involved with a local nonprofit organization called Labelle Neighbors Who Care and became the director. We continue to do various programs such as HBCU College Tours, free youth summer camps, award scholarships and various other activities.
My career, since being employed here has always been in social work, from my days in the HEAP department at the CAC to being a case manager in the field of mental health and drug addiction. My passion has been to help people help themselves.
For the past four years, I have served as the First Ward city councilwoman to try to make a difference; to try to make things better for our residents.
I have almost completed my first four-year term. It has been an experience, an eye-opener to say the least. The things I wanted to see come about such as more jobs; economic growth and development; more serious attention to the drug problem; getting rid of drug houses; more people of color and women in city positions, especially in the police department, fire department and in supervisory positions; skill development; job readiness; tearing down dilapidated structures; attacking the weed problem; focusing on and continuing to clean up the South End; a full-service grocery store downtown; the housing situation; more recreational opportunities, especially for our children, families and pets; and other issues. All these areas are very slow in coming about.
But, slow as things are, there is some progress being made. I truly believe my being on Council has made a positive impact in working to address these areas
I would like to stay another four years and continue to push for these goals and for Steubenville to be a better place to live. I don't take anything for granted, especially your support. As one constituent told me, I got my feet wet, learned some of the ropes and now I can really do some work. And that's what I want to do.
I appreciate and thank you for your continued support. Please note that I do not condone the practice of tearing down the opponents' campaign signs. I want to win based on fair principles, who I am and what I have done for this community.
I am asking you to come out and vote for me again through Nov. 7.
Asantewa Anyabwile
First Ward
Councilwoman