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For two hours Wednesday evening, an estimated 60 to 70 residents gathered in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center to hear from those individuals hoping to be Weirton's next mayor.
All four candidates were invited to the forum, organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, with three taking part.
A decision to livestream the event through the Chamber's Facebook page was made and arranged the day of the event, so those unable to make it have a chance to watch for themselves, listening to the questions submitted as well as the answers provided.
As mentioned, all four candidates were sent invitations, using the contact information provided when they registered for the election. Only three participated, though. Incument mayor Harold "Bubba" Miller, current Ward 5 Councilwoman Flora Perrone, and former mayor Dean Harris stood before a group of voters to discuss many of their issues of concern, including future development, taxation, infrastructure investment, the enforcement of ordinances, beautification, parks and recreation and more. There was even a question about the possibility of the city investing in crypto currency, with all three candidates admitting they had little understanding of the process.
For the record, I'd spoken with Chamber President Brenda Mull in the days leading up to the forum, and had been assured the fourth mayoral candidate, George Village, had been invited. Attempts also had been made to make sure he had received the invitation and to see whether he planned to participate, with no response.
I'm not going to give my opinion on the performance or preparation of the three candidates who took part. From what I can tell, and am willing to say, they all appeared to be honest and heartfelt in their responses, which varied based on many of the topics. Some of the responses were ... interesting ... on many levels.
There were a couple instances where all answers lined up, such as when they were asked if they would leave the office of mayor, if elected, for an opportunity to seek another office or position. All indicated they would remain for the full four years if voters put their faith in them.
Ultimately, it is up to you, the voters of Weirton, to make your choice in who you want at the helm of the city. We stand at a crossroads in the community's future. The only thing I would encourage is to take the time to watch the videos (it's been archived into two parts) on the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, listen to the questions and the responses and use that information in making your decision.
It's a unique election in its own right, and the importance of being an informed voter is rising to new levels as a result.
This isn't the largest number of candidates Weirton has ever had seeking the highest elected executive post in city government, but, typically, voters have had their choices narrowed down a bit by this time. It's all different this year, as Weirton is holding only a general election.
In previous elections - and this will be my fifth covering at least in part - the city held a primary (typically in April or May) and then a general election in June. The mayor and city council were then sworn in to begin their terms July 1.
Changes made following the 2019 election set everything up to fall in line with the presidential election, with a general election this year on Nov. 5. Those elected will now begin their terms in January.
Don't forget those seeking a seat on city council, either. Of the seven currently holding those offices, only three are seeking re-election, and only Chris Jonczak (who is running unopposed) is guaranteed to return, although he will now be representing Ward 7 following a redraw of the city's ward boundaries. Tim Connell and Enzo Fracasso face challenges for their seats, while Fred Marsh, George Ash and Terry Weigel have opted not to run, and Perrone is hoping to be the next mayor. So, there is the possibility of anywhere from two to seven new (or new-ish) faces sitting behind that desk come Jan. 1.
Take every opportunity you have between now and Nov. 5 to learn about all of them.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @ChowellWDT)