— Time: 12:30:42 PM EST
Eight seek four council seats in Wintersville
By SUMMER WALLACE
Staff writer
WINTERSVILLE - Voters in Wintersville have a choice of eight candidates to elect to four of the six Village Council seats.
Candidates include: Robert E. Cochrun, 153 Garden Drive; Robert Gale, 176 Stardust Drive; Robert Martin Sr., 360 Canton Road; Jason Mattern, 173 Meadow Road; Robert R. Price, 451 Fernwood Road; George E. Reed III, 649 Canton Road; David L. Smith, 190 Winters Drive; and John Synodinos, 225 Meadowbrook Drive.
Cochrun is a former councilman of 22 years, and he served as village mayor for eight years.
He is retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. and is a former member of the military special forces.
He said the important issues facing the village include annexation and attracting new businesses.
"I've always been for the people and I am my own person," he said. "I vote the way I want and am not with a group or anything like that."
Gale is a corporate application services manager for CareCentric and has served two terms on the Indian Creek Local School Board.
He counts among his qualifications a strong work ethic, leadership skills, an ability to work well with others and a positive and fair attitude.
"The village needs leadership that will put the community first and work in a strong, positive and fair manner in displaying actions that will picture Wintersville as a strong and positive community for which it is," stated Gale, adding it is important to consider the opinions of all parties before making decisions.
As a councilman, Gale said he would work to lower water and sewer costs. He also will encourage village leaders to work in a positive manner to present Wintersville as a strong and proud community where families and businesses can build a future.
Martin is a current council member, an Emmanuel Church of God in Christ trustee, a Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board member, an AARP member and a International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 246 member.
He has operated R. Martin Electrical Contracting Co. and Park Avenue Men's and Boy's Clothing.
Martin has completed the AARP Leadership program and the Ohio Municipal League Leadership training courses.
Martin said, while he assisted in lowering water rates as a councilman, he doesn't believe they are low enough and will work to lower them farther.
He also would like to continue expanding the recreational opportunities in the village, noting he began the villagewide Halloween party and assisted upgrading playground equipment.
Martin strongly believes in the grant program and said he will work to ensure the village pursues every grant opportunity.
"It is vital that I represent all the people and make decisions based on what is going to help the majority of our residents," he stated.
Mattern is a quality and regulatory compliance manager at SAL Chemical Co. Inc. and was formerly the plant operations manager.
He is a member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors; American Society of Safety Engineers; West Virginia Motor Truck Association; and Hancock County Emergency Planning Committee.
He has a business administration degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and transportation and logistics and production and operation management degrees from Ohio State University.
Mattern counts discipline, a professional manner, team work and efficiency among his qualifications.
He seeks to enhance relationships with emergency responders to work toward the best interests of the community; increase political involvement with high school students; and increase council's outreach to businesses.
"The most important issue facing the community is overall trust in its leaders," he stated. "I will bring stability back to our council and will work with other decision makers to reach and exceed the expectations of our citizens."
Price is a dentist and operates an office in the village. He was formerly a chemist at Federal Paper Board for 13 years. He is an incumbent.
He is a member of the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board, American Legion Post 0557, Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee, Jefferson County Public Library Board and the Masonic Lodge.
He is a graduate of Amsterdam High School and a veteran. He has degrees from Franciscan University of Steubenville, the University of Pittsburgh, the U.S. Army Signal Corps School and the International Correspondence School. He completed graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
The most important issue facing council is the "judicious and thoughtful" use of tax dollars, according to Price.
He said he is seeking to improve the village's existing water, sewer and road systems and to efficiently run all village services.
"I will try to solve the small and sundry problems that arise with the people of the village," he stated.
Reed is a staff sergeant with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and an electrician for Wheeling-Pitt. He is a veteran of Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom and has 18 years experience in the military.
He is a Mingo Junction High School graduate, and he received a certificate in communication electronics from the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. He has a degree in electrical engineering from Jefferson Technical College. He received training in primary leadership development, basic non-commissioned officers academy, electronic repair and automated logistics from the Army.
Reed counts his leadership skills and communication abilities among his qualifications.
The village must move in a positive direction and improve its image to both residents and the greater community, according to Reed.
"I believe in teamwork and communicating with equality to all residents," he stated. "My only agenda is to do what is right for the future of this village.
Smith is a sales account manager for Famous Supply Co. and has 25 years experience in management. He is an incumbent.
A member of Wintersville Baptist Temple, Smith is certified in professional portraiture by the Professional Photographers of America and has a degree in electronics engineering from Belmont Technical College.
During his tenure, the village infrastructure was improved, recreational and playground equipment upgraded and vehicle and equipment maintenance and replacement was established.
Smith said he is proud of his work with the police department, including purchasing new computers and surveillance equipment. Other improvements include the establishment of the canine unit, a Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer and the Law Enforcement Automated Data System program.
If re-elected, Smith said he wants to continue infrastructure improvements, promote economic expansion in the North End, finalize a 12-year street repaving program and continue to control water and sewer costs. He would also like to work to construct a swimming pool sponsored by a regional group.
He is a member of Wintersville Baptist Temple.
Synodinos operates his own real estate firm, JGS Enterprises, and is retired from Timet Corp. He is an incumbent.
He is a graduate of Steubenville High School and Baltimore Technical College.
He added his business and financial backgrounds would be beneficial as a councilman.
Synodinos counts the lowering of water rates, improvement of the recreational facilities, construction of the municipal building and maintenance building, hiring of the current village administrator and road improvements among his achievements as a councilman.
If re-elected, he said he will continue to try to lower water rates. He also will seek all grants available to the village and strive for fiscal responsibility.
"I have been a successful businessman for more than 30 years," he stated. "I have the knowledge and perseverance to avoid the financial pitfalls of the surrounding cities and villages."
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