WEIRTON — Weirton’s Fourth Ward will see new representation beginning Jan. 1.

As part of the city’s election, two candidates — Rick Stead and Kyle Wilson — are seeking to fill the seat representing much of Weirton’s downtown neighborhoods.

Current Ward 4 Councilman George Ash has opted not to seek re-election.

The Weirton Daily Times did not receive a response to its candidate questionnaire from Wilson. She has been employed by Cleveland-Cliffs and served on Weirton’s Human Rights Commission.

Stead is the father of two daughters, spent 25 years with the Weirton Police Department, retiring as a captain, as well as 15 years as a substitute teacher for Hancock County Schools and serving in numerous coaching and volunteering roles. He said he is driven by a wish to give back to the community that shaped him.

“I am running for office because I care deeply about our community. As someone who has spent my entire life in multiple forms of community service to our town, I understand the challenges we face and I am committed to helping improve the lives of every citizen,” Stead said. “At this point in my life, I’m inseparable from Weirton and want to ensure that the values and the quality of life we cherish here continue to thrive for future generations.”

He wants to make sure everyone, especially those who might not have a voice, are heard, advocate for fairness and equal treatment of all residents, and make sure the city continues to grow and prosper while preserving the small-town feel of the community.

If elected, Stead says he wants to focus on the appearance of the city by cleaning up blighted areas, revitalizing rundown properties, cracking down on vehicles with out-of-state registrations and addressing vacant buildings.

He also sees the need to continue work in the area of development, but also not forget the needs of the city’s downtown.

“The 4th Ward has become a food desert as I have seen at least eight grocery stores/markets close their doors over the course of my life,” Stead said. “Securing a marketplace for fresh food is crucial. In addition, we need to foster relationships with developers, encourage them to utilize vacant properties, and bring back the amenities that make our community a better place to live.”

Stead also points to a need to invest in recreation, providing safe, updated recreational spaces for both the community’s youth and seniors, through improvements to parks and expansion of services at the Millsop Community Center. He also suggested a connection between the Panhandle Rail Trail and Cove Road.

He called cooperative efforts between cities and counties a necessity.

“Effective collaboration between all levels of government — city, county, state, and federal — is essential to the success of our community. It is only through open communication, mutual respect and shared goals that we can secure the resources and support needed to improve the lives of our citizens,” he said. “I believe that by fostering partnerships between different government bodies and agencies, we can unlock new opportunities for Weirton’s development and growth.”

Saturday is the final day of early voting in West Virginia, with elections offices at the respective county courthouses open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Ward 4 voters located in Hancock County’s Ward 16 will vote at the Weirton Senior Center, while those in Brooke County’s Ward 26 will vote at Freedom Place II.