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MARTINS FERRY -- Three council-at-large seats are in play in Martins Ferry for the Nov. 7 general election.
Incumbents James Agnew, Thomas J. Burns and James Schramm face challenger Ben Neiman as the four vye for three available seats.
James Agnew
Agnew has been a member of city council since mid-March. He also has been serving on the Martins Ferry Board of Education since January 2022.
Agnew was appointed to council by the Martins Ferry Democratic Committee to fill the vacancy left when former councilman Jack Regis Sr. was appointed as the city's auditor in late January.
"I believe I have a heart to serve, and I'm totally committed," Agnew said.
If elected, Agnew said he hopes to make "progress and improvements on all fronts," including in public safety, financial stability, street maintenance and the beautification of Martins Ferry. He said he hopes to improve the city for all residents from youth to senior citizens.
He said city finances are a big concern and he hopes to continue to work with council and the administration to improve the city's financial situation.
Agnew also hopes to work with the administration to repair streets and demolish abandoned buildings to improve the city's curb appeal.
He said he also encourages new businesses to make their home in Martins Ferry.
Agnew said that he and his wife have lived in Martins Ferry for 42 years and reared their five children there. He also has served as a pastor at the Tree of Life Church on Virginia Street in Martins Ferry for 20 years.
"As a licensed minister, I have been involved in many coaching areas of our youth," he said.
Agnew also serves as a regional district elder for the Ohio District Church Council.
Thomas J. Burns
Burns has been on city council for six years. He is a member of various city committees including finance, annexation, enterprise zone, code administration, service and real estate. He is the chairman of the cemetery committee and a liaison to the park commission. Before becoming a councilman, Burns was a member of the since-disbanded Property Maintenance Appeals Board.
He is a retired U.S. postmaster and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Akron. He said that he has experience in budgeting, finance and the forecasting and interpretation of financial statements.
"I have an extensive background in major construction and infrastructure while working for a St. Clairsville, Ohio, firm and working construction for the Wheeling Park Commission," he said.
Burns is also a member of the Belmont County NAACP and Ohio River Elks Lodge 231.
He said he has a background in accounting and graduated in the top 5% of his class from the University of Akron in 1977.
Burns said his major concerns are the safety and welfare of Martins Ferry residents and city finances. He wants to continue to build positive relations with local police and first responders.
He also hopes to make city council meetings more accessible by livestreaming them to all city residents.
Burns also said that he values providing programs for residents of all ages.
"I thrive on and welcome responsibility," he said.
If reelected, he said he would continue to seek funds to demolish "unsafe, abandoned and condemned properties."
Burns also said he wants to encourage new businesses to come to Martins Ferry by promoting the city as a viable community.
James Schramm
Schramm has been a council member for eight years and has served on the safety committee, street committee and finance committee.
"I've worked as a public servant for most of my life," he said.
Schramm said he has 10 years of experience as a volunteer firefighter and worked for 34 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
"I want to see the city prosper," he noted.
Schramm said his main priorities are infrastructure, jobs and removing dilapidated housing. He said, if reelected, he hopes to address these issues by rebuilding the city's infrastructure, bringing some large businesses to the city and "maintaining Martins Ferry as a safe place to live."
"I've lived in Martins Ferry for 74 years, and I'm dedicated to the city of Martins Ferry," he said.
Ben Neiman
Neiman said he previously served on Martins Ferry City Council for two years. He said he worked for the city for many years in various departments including the sanitation department, sewer department and street department. He also worked at the Martins Ferry Liberty Engine Company as a firefighter, captain and first lieutenant.
Neiman said he has lived in Martins Ferry his whole life and graduated from Martins Ferry High School.
Neiman said his main goal is to get new businesses, both large and small, to the city. He also hopes to clean up the community.
"Like many cities, money is an issue," he said.
If elected, Neiman hopes to get more funding for the city to demolish dilapidated homes and repair streets. He plans to apply for grants and use local resources for these projects. He said that the court and prison systems have helped out the city before with cutting lots.
"I know because I have worked with these people before," he said.
Neiman said he is running for council because he likes helping people and he hopes that he can help the city grow.
He said residents and voters are welcome to call him at 740-633-5308 for more information.