WEIRTON — No matter the results, the residents of Weirton’s Ward 5 will have a new face representing them on city council beginning Jan. 1.

As part of this year’s municipal election, taking place alongside the general election Nov. 5, Ward 5 voters will select from four candidates hoping to be their voice in city government – George Charnie Jr, Jaime Halligan, Karen Harris and Brittany Holloway.

Current Ward 5 Councilmember Flora Perrone is running to be Weirton’s next mayor.

Charnie is a Madonna High School and West Virginia University graduate, with additional courses taken through West Virginia Northern Community College, the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center, University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, and Wheeling University in a variety of fields. He is self-employed at his family business, Flaherty-Charnie Insurance, Inc.

“I believe many people who hold public office fail to represent the people who elected them,” he said. “My intent is to represent the people, to make Weirton the best it can and should be.”

Among his focuses, if elected, Charnie said there is a need to address the accessibility to Marland Heights, both with the existing Marland Heights Road and the possibility of an emergency access route.

“Council should address the need for an Emergency Access Road to and from Marland Heights,” he said. “The City may need to have an engineering assessment of the stability of Marland Heights Road to make sure it is stable and we are adequately diverting the water runoff off the road. The weather patterns are changing and we can’t afford to be complacent on this issue.”

He also wants to work toward better investment in the future of Marland Heights Park, saying it is for all city residents, not just Marland Heights residents, and should be supported by council as such.

In addition, he hopes to encourage a more neighborly atmosphere within the ward, suggesting a volunteer group to help neighbors in need, revisiting the crime watch previously established, and study the speed limits within the ward.

Halligan is a graduate of Brooke High School, Wests Liberty University and Duquesne University, with a MSN Healthcare Management and Executive Leadership.

Halligan explained she is seeking a seat on council out of a desire to help make Weirton a thriving community and attract new residents.

“I also want to see the quality of life for our citizens improved and more advantages offered to them,” she said.

She, also, would like to look into previously discussed projects to improve access to the Marland Heights area, as well as address speeding issues in the ward.

“I would like to develop a plan to implement speed bumps in high traffic areas where speeding is a problem,” she said.

In addition, she said she would like to work on bringing more activities to the area, such as a monthly farmers’ market at Marland Heights Park, to attract people to the community.

She wants to promote improvements to local infrastructure, with the hope of encouraging businesses and residents to establish themselves in Weirton.

Harris notes she has lived in Ward 5 for 35 years, claiming to be the first Black homeowner in the ward. She spent more than 25 years as a youth leader, worked at Weirton Steel and was an aid and cook within Hancock County Schools, as well as previously working as a real estate agent. In 2019, she ran for mayor.

“I love the character of our small hometown Weirton community,” she said. “I’m a servant to the community. I love people. Love to see the community thrive with the change of the world and would like to keep some history to leave for future generations.”

If elected, she said she would focus on continuing to make sure water was safe for residents, provide lighting and safe sidewalks in the community – with the suggestion the city hire a grant writer to assist with funding such projects – and work on providing restrooms at Marland Heights Park as well as seek input from residents on other projects.

Other goals include hiring more police officers and firefighters to provide safety for the city, attracting housing developments, providing more ideas for the youth, and investing in the downtown to assist local business.

“It’s our responsibility to the people to keep our Community at Risk growing, safe and continue to crack down on the drugs and violence,” she said.

Holloway is a lifelong resident of Marland Heights, a member of the Hancock County Board of Parks and Recreation, is active with Hancock and Brooke Young Professionals, and owner of the Weirton Area Mom’s Connect.

“I hope to bring a new energy to our council and inspire others to engage in our community. Representing younger families that are growing and respecting the generations that made Weirton,” she said.

Holloway also expressed concerns for access to the Marland Heights area, the need for improvement at Marland Heights Park, and speeding in the neighborhoods.

“I’ve experienced this myself with my young children and understand the worry other residents express. Again, this is an issue that needs to be addressed proactively,” she said. “Our hill is filled with children, walkers, runners, cyclists, and pets. We want them to be safe. I am for the installation of removable speed bumps in our neighborhood.”

She wants to work to make sure Marland Heights, and the city, is safe and attractive to encourage residential and economic growth.

“I am a millennial and a lot of my generation has left,” she said. “I worry about our connectivity as a community. I hope to help create a business-friendly environment, prioritize public safety initiatives, enhance public spaces, encourage community engagement, promote tourism through targeted marketing campaigns, and facilitate networking events.”

Early voting in the municipal election is going on through Saturday at the respective county courthouses. On Nov. 5, voters living in Precinct 17 in Hancock County will vote at the Weirton Senior Center, with Precinct 34 voters in Brooke County going to Little Bear Daycare.