Residents hear from the candidates during forum in Weirton

WEIRTON -- Area residents had an opportunity to hear from several of those seeking public office in the Nov. 5 election Thursday during a forum held in Weirton.

The event, organized by the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee, saw several dozen residents crowd into the Fellowship Hall of Cove Presbyterian Church to hear responses to moderator-provided questions from those running for Weirton mayor and members of city council, West Virginia House of Delegates and Hancock County Sheriff.

"We're going to do our best to have a lively, fast-moving, and, most importantly, informational event," explained Tommy Ogden, who served as moderator.

Hancock County Republican Chair Liz Baldt offered a welcome to those in attendance, and thanked Cove Presbyterian for the use of the hall.

Four candidates for House of Delegates - District 2 Republican incumbent Mark Zatezalo and Democratic challenger Olivia Dowler, and District 3 Republican incumbent Jimmy Willis and Democratic challenger David Cantrell.

Zatezalo focused on his experience, both in the Legislature and as a geologist, while Dowler, a recent West Virginia University graduate, discussed her hopes of working for the future of the state and its residents.

Discussing educational opportunities, Zatezalo said he feels there are existing ways to provide for job training to assist with new industries.

"We can do that because we have facilities already in place," he said, speaking specifically of West Virginia Northern Community College and the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center. "They are open to working with anyone who comes in."

Dowler said more programs are needed, though, adding she feels those who have previously lost their jobs should be the first in line to receive those new training opportunities.

"They shouldn't be tossed to the side," she said, adding more thought also is needed for those currently in high school so they have the availability of programs to prepare them for rising technologies and industries.

In District 3, Cantrell focused on his experience in the trades, as an electrician, and as president of IBEW Local 141, saying a higher focus on the trades for young people is important.

"We need more kids in trades," he said.

Willis, who is finishing his first term, pointed to his efforts to create a new statewide vocational math class in West Virginia's high schools, and plans to launch a pilot program to establish fast-track programs for vocational careers, similar to what has been done for college-geared courses.

"Every time we do one of those, we need two for vocations," Willis said.

All four candidates acknowledged more thought and investment is needed to address housing needs in the state, whether through incentive programs, expanding on the West Virginia BUILD Act or finding ways to deregulate and remove barriers for the construction industries.

Hancock County Sheriff Scott Gittings and challenger Dezso Polgar also faced off Thursday, noting their individual law enforcement careers and plans for the department if elected.

"We made some changes when we came in and continue to make changes," Gittings said, noting his efforts to improve communications with other law enforcement agencies, provide more training for deputies, increase the availability of Prevention Resource Officers in the schools, increase the number of patrols, and provide a more competitive pay for deputies.

Polgar said he wants to improve the structure of the department, saying he wants to focus on "compassion, honesty, integrity and fairness."

Polgar also said he wants to work closely with the County Prosecutor's Office to increase strong convictions in the county and make sure laws are enforced uniformly.

All four candidates seeking to be Weirton's mayor were in attendance, with incumbent Harold "Bubba" Miller pointed to accomplishments during the last nine years, in particular the beginning of expansion projects for the city's water and wastewater treatment plants, Flora Perrone noting her work to save Weirton's transit system, George Village claiming he already has been reaching out to business contacts to bring new industry to the city, and Dean Harris promoting his experience from four years on city council and eight years as mayor.

To attract people to the city, Miller showcased the work of the city's police and fire departments, with Perrone pointing to the need to continue investing in beautification, recreation and streamlining city operations.

Harris, too, noted the need for recreational improvements, further support of police and fire services, but also an increased focus on the city's Main Street area. Village suggested cuts to municipal personnel, improvements to the Millsop Community Center as well as developing new activities for the youth.

Weirton Council candidates were provided 90 seconds to introduce themselves and discuss their platforms.

Council candidates in attendance included: Rodney Summers and incumbent Tim Connell for Ward 1; Ralph Cunningham for Ward 2; Joe DiBartolomeo and Jesse Keeder for Ward 3; Rick Stead and Kyle Wilson for Ward 4; George Charnie Jr., Jaime Halligan, Karen Harris and Brittany Holloway for Ward 5; Fritz Frohnapfel, incumbent Enzo Fracasso and Bob Wyatt for Ward 6; and Chris Jonczak for Ward 7.

Ward 1 candidate Jonathan Curenton sent a representative to speak on his behalf, while Ward 3 candidate Ronnie Jones and Ward 6 candidate Anthony Rocchio were not in attendance.

Following the moderated questions, organizers provided residents an opportunity to ask questions of their own to the candidates.