Primary Election Series Part 4: Ellwood City Borough Council Candidate Q&A

Note: This is part 4 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. PART 2 and PART 3 featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Part 5 will feature more candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council and the Mayor’s Office.  

The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Borough Council include: Jan Williams, Michelle Lamenza, Jim Barry, Brad Ovial, and Joe Mancini.

We caught up with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council before the primary election to learn more about the candidates and get their points of view on important issues facing the borough. Today we feature Williams, Ovial, and Lamenza. Part 5 will feature Barry, Mancini, and Mayor Anthony Court.

Jan Williams

Employment: Aetna CVS Health

Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Council: Currently on Ellwood City Council. I have experience with project management, general ledger and risk management.

What neighborhood do you live in? Why? Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town? I live in the Second Ward. As I stated in the past questionnaire, I moved here when I was a young mother and liked the convenience of being close to Hartman Elementary and Lincoln High School. I still enjoy walking to National Grind for coffee and Ewing Park.

What makes a good city council member? Again, going back to my questionnaire from 2021 I still stand by a good city council member listen and responds promptly to the community. They put the community first and are respectful towards it, as well as other council members and employees.  As I have been in this role now for 4 years, I also would like to add a good city council member will ensure that tax dollars are appropriated for the betterment of the community.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing our town right now? What solutions do you have to offer to resolve those issues? Three biggest issues I feel Ellwood City currently has been:

• The lack of “forward looking” for Ellwood City. Having no vision for the future has put Ellwood in a limbo state but as we move forward, we are to update the comprehensive plan this year.  The last comprehensive plan we had created was approved on May 21, 2007.  Why is a comprehensive plan important? This allows the borough to have better chances of retaining grants based on the vision we set in the comprehensive plan.
• The Business District on Lawrence Avenue. I have mentioned this in the past from my research on council I feel we should lean into our backyard resources that surrounds Ellwood City to help boost our local economy. There is a program call “Nature – Based Placemaking” (https://padowntown.org/programs/nature-based-placemaking-program/ ).  I am still researching the how this program works but feel this could benefit Ellwood City.  I have also proposed a “Walk Works” plan (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/healthy-living/walkworks.html) and “Traffic Committee” that is volunteer based but both were not well received.  I will continue to champion these efforts.  I would in addition like to see a “Shade Tree Commission” which is also volunteer based created to help address the lack of trees on Lawrence Avenue but also all of the tree canopy in Ellwood City.  The commission goals would be to provide recommendations to council how to improve, maintain, preserve the community’s tree canopy. This commission is not a new idea, and other boroughs and townships utilize this commission.  Another program that I am currently looking into to help local businesses and also residents is the “Efficiency Smart” Program through AMP (https://www.amppartners.org/sustainability/programs/efficiency-smart).  It is a program to help businesses and residents to reduce energy cost such as rebates for energy efficient products.
• Communicating with the community about borough business. Again, as I said this in the past, I do not think this has changed much. I have voiced my opinion more than once about how we under utilize our website.  It is disappointing as a councilperson I am finding out about borough business in a newspaper article or social media than from leadership. I do encourage the community if they are having issues to come to a council meeting. (Agenda Meeting 2^nd Monday of the month at 6pm or Regular Meeting 3^rd Monday of the month at 6pm in Borough Chambers on the second floor).

Why do you want to be a council member? It has been an eye opener being on council for the first time as how slow things move, I am used to a fast-paced work culture with that said I feel there is more to do. I would like to help on behave of the community to ensure we move forward.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve? The three issues I mentioned before are what motivate me to serve this community. There is more to do.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve? I have experience with project management, general ledger, risk management and have gain knowledge on borough subject matters by attending training through PSAB (The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs) such as budget, zoning and new legislation.

In what community activities/organizations have you been involved? I am involved with the Ellwood City Community Garden.  I would like to take a moment to thank Kelly Brack and Crystal Simpson for their dedication and leadership.  Also, to all the past and present volunteers for all their work and commitment to the Ellwood City Community Garden.

What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or council members? As I said in the past, working in the computer software testing realm has made me look at issues and processes differently. I ask a lot of questions to understand the process from the beginning to the end to find gaps and fix them. With this mindset, this makes me different than most candidates and council members.  I do currently apply this work approach at the borough and at time I do get resistance of answering my questions from leadership.  It has been a challenge, but I will continue my efforts as this is my job as an elective official.

As a council member, where would you look to make budget cuts? Reviewing the monthly financial year to dates against the budgeted amounts, I have observed expenditures for supplies going up. I do feel and have stated that we need to tighten up on supply spending at the borough. I understand we need supplies such as small tools and office supplies but buying it here and there and not in bulk is not saving money.

How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual?  Special interest groups? I would listen to the request of the individuals and/or special interests’ group and based on their request I would reach out to the appropriate individual and encourage them to come to a borough meeting to speak about it for all of council to hear.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our town can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? As I stated in the past

• Community traditions. It’s great to have community traditions that can carried over to the next year. It gives the community something to look forward to each year.
• Good food. Ellwood has a lot of good food in town that brings in customers from other towns which helps showcases us in a positive light.

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? I would hope my key accomplishments would be moving Ellwood City forward on a plan to help resolve the 3 biggest issues stated above.

Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that? I do feel that is it successful in some aspects but more work is needed as I stated above in my 3 biggest issues.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town? To involve the residents in our town’s decision-making, I would want to make sure they are informed of any changes or items for the borough. Fixing this would allow the community to be well informed to come to a borough meeting and voice their opinion, or to reach out to a council member.

If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing?

• To continue to watch the budget that has been set for the year to ensure we do not go over the expenditure lines and if we do, to ask why. Things do come up during the year which we need to buy but there needs better oversight on the expenditures budgeted as there are some line items that are going over the set budget and I feel should not.
• I have been told more than once from the younger generation that they want to stay in Ellwood City but cannot find anywhere to rent in Ellwood City which in turn they have to move out of town. I have passed on this to the councilperson who is on the Ellwood City Planning Commission.  If this could be accomplished this would help our revenue within the borough and also the younger generation that would like to stay in Ellwood City.
• Finding grants we can apply for and applying for them.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? I would hire a full-time fireman. Volunteer firemen are on the decline not just in Ellwood City but nationwide.   I would invest in trees on Lawerence Avenue for more shade and beatification.  I would update the different facilities in Stiefel Park from the softball fields to the floor hockey rink and finding a place to add more pickle ball courts.

Brad Ovial

Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Council: Served from March 2013 to 2017 and Sept.2021 to present.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town? My favorite places to spend in town usually involve food. Ellwood City has so many good places to eat. But I also pop into different businesses to shop periodically if I need something or just to talk to or say hi to people. I know many of the owners and people who work in town. Talking to people keeps me informed about what is going on.

What makes a good city council member? A good council member is a person who listens to the constituents and what they have to say and why they believe what they believe. A good city council member should know both sides of issues that the borough might be facing so when you talk to people you can understand where they are coming from and have a conversation. If you don’t know an issue, you research it. A good council member respects opinions and realizes opinions aren’t facts unless they are facts.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing our town right now? What solutions do you have to offer to resolve those issues?

1. Because of the current economic situation, some people are suffering financially and may have a hard time paying their bills as well as other living expenses. Businesses might be facing the same challenges. Our council needs to work with nonprofits, churches, and other agencies on all levels of Government to help those in need.
2. There is a need to fix Infrastructure below and above ground. We live in an old town, so storm water runoff, sewer lines, and gas lines are in disrepair and need replaced.
3.   We need to operate within our budget to maintain a respect for taxpayers’ money. We need to negotiate fair contracts for the workers and the taxpayers to be able to keep our services, but at the right cost.

Some things you cannot control, but others you can.

Why do you want to be a council member? During my 8 years on the council, and years in between terms, I’ve seen some things that worked and were benefits to the borough. Those benefits seem to disappear when names and faces change on council and other agencies. My past experience and knowledge can help bring progress to the borough. We need to put together a comprehensive plan and pursue grants to improve all aspects of life in the Borough!

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve? The main issue that motivates me to serve is that I believe that the council and all the non-profits and other agencies that are working toward a common good in the borough need to be working together. Council should not be a roadblock or hurdle to the agencies that are trying to do good for the borough. All groups and agencies should have a representative to meet with council so that communication can be achieved in working toward change and to accomplish goals.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve? I was a school board member for 8 years, council for 8 years, and involved in Ellwood City Revitalization (10 years with the last 8 as president). I’ve been a teacher, assistant principal, principal and a part time Professor at SRU. I’ve also served as basketball and track coaches. I am a husband, parent and Grandparent—all roles that help you navigate situations.

In what community activities/organizations have you been involved? Most recently, my wife and I deliver Meals on Wheels.   Ellwood City Revitalization (10 years, president 8.) Also served as Executive Director of the Lawrence County Learning Center. I currently serve as the Chairman of the Civil Service Committee and the President of the Ellwood City Planning Commission.

What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or council members? I am not a native “Ellwoodian,” which gives me a different perspective. I moved here in 1989, and I see things differently than those who have been born and raised here. Because I’ve lived other places, I might not take things for granted that are good about this town, as I can see things that Ellwood has that other places don’t have.

As a council member, where would you look to make budget cuts? I would look at every line and ask questions of expenditures, question what is contractual, and work to cut out the fat. Right now, I don’t know where the fat is. Some stuff can’t be cut because it’s contractual.

How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual?  Special interest groups? I would look into it, ask questions of the members of council and borough manager, and see what they know to answer the questions.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our town can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?

1 People who live in Ellwood City have great pride. They believe in what the town was and what it can be. People show up for local events, activities, and parades. It’s one of the things I appreciate. There are a lot of great things going on here and events such as Wander Ellwood and the summer concerts have brought many people to Ellwood City.

2. Work ethic. People work hard. The business owners work hard and so do those in other positions.
3. The services that the borough provides. We have a full-time public works department, full-time electric department, full-time police department, and a fire department and our ALS first responders. We also have a great school system and a public library and active Chamber of Commerce.

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? Cooperation with all the other elected and non-elected entities in the borough and in the townships if they can be of help to make the borough even better. It needs to take place, and communication would be a key to doing that. Improving what is already good. Keeping infrastructure going while operating within the budget. To continue to work with the borough manager and other groups to determine if something can be done with the Ellwood City Hospital Building. If we could get to some solution, it would be tremendous. To improve business and quality of living in all wards of the Borough!

Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? 

I think it’s in better shape than it has been in a long time, but there is a way to go yet. I think that a few of the open areas along the main street would benefit if someone developed those properties and add other businesses. If there are condemned buildings, they need to be brought up to code or somebody needs to be fined, or the buildings need to be taken down. We need advertising to promote shopping local. Ellwood City once had cash mobs. We need to bring events like that back. Ellwood has more businesses than what you may think. There are a lot of smaller businesses that have opened. We need to continue to clean up the downtown and promote it. We need better sidewalks and a little more parking.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town? I believe residents need to attend and speak up at meetings. They need to engage council members or the borough manager and ask questions and trust that those who are elected will take their thoughts, suggestions and concerns seriously and look into them.

If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing?

1 Try to get hospital situation rectified because there are still hundreds of thousands owed to the borough.

2. Go through budget line by line and cut out the fat and pursue grants and partnerships to bring in added revenue.
3. Negotiate fair contracts for the employees and workers but also the taxpayers.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? I would use that $1 million grant on below ground and above ground infrastructure as needed. Over the years, sewage lines have collapsed, and our roads and sidewalks have crumbled. There are a lot of areas throughout the borough that are not in good shape underground. It may not be a glamorous answer, but it is a necessary one.

Michele Lamenza

What neighborhood do you live in? Why? Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town? I live in Ewing Park where my husband and I bought our first house to raise our two sons and be within walking distance to the Ewing Park Elementary School that was there at the time and to be near the ballfields, swimming pool and park atmosphere. When not barbecuing or having friends over we like to frequent our local restaurants, pizza shops and clubs.

What makes a good city council member? A good city council member is a dedicated advocate for their community, committed to listening to residents and making informed decisions that enhance the quality of life for all. They engage with the public, encourage open dialogue, and ensure transparency in government actions. Strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are essential to address local challenges such as infrastructure improvements, economic development, and public safety. A responsible council member carefully manages city resources, balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for progress. Above all, they act with integrity, fairness, and accountability, always putting the best interests of the community first.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing our town right now? What solutions do you have to offer to resolve those issues? Ellwood City is facing three major challenges: economic revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and the proposed softball field in Ewing Park. First, our local economy needs a boost to attract businesses and create jobs. I propose offering incentives for small businesses, revitalizing our downtown area, and working to bring in new industries that provide stable employment. Second, our aging infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public spaces, needs investment. I would advocate for smart budgeting, seek grant funding, and explore partnerships to ensure long-term improvements without overburdening taxpayers. Lastly, the proposed softball field in Ewing Park has sparked debate within the community. While recreational opportunities are valuable, we must ensure that any project is supported by the residents who would be most affected and does not negatively impact existing park amenities. I would prioritize open discussions with the community, weigh all financial and environmental factors, and work toward a solution that benefits Ellwood City as a whole.

Why do you want to be a council member? I want to serve on Ellwood City Council because I am passionate about our community and believe in its potential for growth and improvement. As a lifelong resident, I understand the challenges we face, from economic development to infrastructure needs, and I am committed to finding practical solutions that benefit all residents. I want to bring fresh ideas, transparency, and accountability to local government, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our town. My goal is to foster a stronger, more vibrant Ellwood City by supporting local businesses, improving public spaces, and encouraging community engagement. I believe that with strong leadership and a collaborative approach, we can make meaningful progress and create a brighter future for our town.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve? One of the key issues that motivates me to serve on the Ellwood City Council is the need for economic revitalization and job growth. Our community has a strong history, but like many small towns, we face challenges in attracting businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating opportunities for residents. I believe we need proactive leadership to encourage economic development, improve our downtown area, and make Ellwood City a place where businesses can thrive. By investing in infrastructure, promoting small business incentives, and fostering partnerships, we can create a more vibrant economy that benefits everyone. My goal is to ensure that Ellwood City is not just a great place to live, but also a place where people can work, grow, and build a future.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve? From the time I was a teenager I worked as a waitress at Ricka’s Restaurant throughout high school. After graduating from Lincoln High School, I became a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines in New York and traveled the world. I retired from the airlines when my children were small and worked for the Lawrence County Jail as Director of Records then for the Ellwood City Police Department as the secretary for the Mayor and Code Enforcement. A management position became available at the PA. Turnpike Commission, and I worked there before officially retiring in 2016.
All of these life accomplishments have given me the skills necessary to communicate effectively with my peers and the public.

In what community activities/organizations have you been involved? I did not belong to any organizations because of time but as a Council Member for the past 8 years, I have always voted to support the area organizations and activities.

What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or council members? I stand out from other candidates and council members because of my deep-rooted commitment to Ellwood City and my proactive approach to problem-solving. With a strong connection to the community, I listen to residents’ concerns and take action to address them, rather than relying on politics as usual. I bring a fresh perspective, emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and innovative ideas to drive progress. My focus on economic revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement sets me apart as a candidate who is not only dedicated but also prepared to make meaningful changes. With a track record of leadership and a vision for a stronger, more vibrant Ellwood City, I am ready to bring a new energy to the council and ensure that every resident’s voice is heard.

As a council member, where would you look to make budget cuts? As a candidate for Ellwood City Council, I believe in responsible budgeting that ensures taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently while maintaining essential services. I would start by reviewing all discretionary spending to identify areas where funds may be used inefficiently or where programs are not delivering strong returns for the community. This includes evaluating administrative costs, eliminating redundant expenses, and ensuring that government contracts are competitively bid to get the best value. Additionally, I would explore opportunities to streamline operations through technology and shared services with neighboring municipalities. My goal is to cut waste without compromising public safety, infrastructure, or critical community programs that residents rely on. Responsible fiscal management will allow us to invest in projects that drive economic growth and improve quality of life for everyone in Ellwood City.

How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? As a candidate for Ellwood City Council, I believe in transparency, fairness, and putting the best interests of the entire community first when handling requests from individuals or special interest groups. If approached, I would listen carefully, gather all relevant information, and consider how the request aligns with the needs and priorities of Ellwood City as a whole. I would ensure that any decision-making process remains open and accountable, avoiding favoritism or undue influence. My approach would be to seek input from residents, fellow council members, and experts when necessary to make informed, balanced decisions. Ultimately, my responsibility is to serve all citizens of Ellwood City, ensuring that policies and actions benefit the broader community rather than just a select few.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our town can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? Ellwood City has several strengths that make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. First, our strong sense of community is one of our greatest assets. Neighbors support one another, local businesses take pride in serving residents, and our town comes together for events and causes that matter. This close-knit spirit fosters a welcoming and resilient environment. Second, our parks and recreational spaces, like Ewing Park, provide excellent opportunities for families, athletes, and nature lovers to enjoy the outdoors. These green spaces contribute to our quality of life and attract visitors to our town. Lastly, our hardworking and dedicated residents are the backbone of Ellwood City. Whether it’s our local business owners, volunteers, or educators, the people of our town are committed to its success. These strengths give us a solid foundation to build upon as we work toward a brighter future.

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? Besides continuing to improve our downtown revitalization issues, our infrastructure issues and continuing to improve our various parks, I would do whatever we could to bring our hospital back with 24/7 staffed doctors and nurses.

Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that? Ellwood City’s main street and downtown area are a testament to the resilience and charm of our community. Our local businesses play a vital role in the town’s identity, offering unique shops, restaurants, and services that keep the area vibrant and engaged. The downtown is a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, and it serves as a central hub for community events, festivals, and activities. However, there is always room for improvement. To make our downtown even better, we could focus on beautification efforts, such as improving sidewalks, enhancing lighting, and updating storefronts to create a more inviting atmosphere. Additionally, attracting new businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs through incentives and reduced red tape would help further diversify our offerings and increase foot traffic. By investing in the revitalization of our downtown, we can ensure it remains a thriving, dynamic part of Ellwood City for generations to come.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town? As a candidate for Ellwood City Council, I believe that involving residents in the decision-making process is key to ensuring that our community’s needs are truly met. I plan to hold regular town hall meetings and community forums where residents can voice their concerns, share ideas, and ask questions about ongoing and upcoming projects. I would also work to establish an online platform where citizens can easily access information, submit feedback, and participate in surveys or polls on important issues. Additionally, I would prioritize transparency by providing clear updates on council meetings and decisions, so residents are always informed and engaged. By fostering an open and inclusive approach to governance, we can build trust and make sure every voice in Ellwood City is heard and valued.

If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing? If elected to the Ellwood City Council, my first step to put our city on firmer financial footing would be to conduct a thorough review of the current budget, identifying areas where we can reduce wasteful spending without sacrificing essential services. This includes evaluating all city programs and services to ensure they are both effective and cost-efficient. The second step would be to explore additional revenue sources, such as seeking state and federal grants, promoting economic development, and attracting new businesses to generate more tax revenue. Lastly, I would work to improve financial transparency by regularly updating residents on the city’s financial status and involving the community in the budget process, ensuring that taxpayers are informed and confident in how their money is being spent. These steps will help create a more sustainable and responsible financial future for Ellwood City.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? If I received a $1 million grant for Ellwood City, I would prioritize investments that address our immediate needs while also creating long-term value for the community. First, I would allocate a portion of the funds to revitalizing our downtown area, focusing on improving infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and supporting local businesses. This could include updating sidewalks, lighting, and storefronts to create a more inviting and vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors and boosts economic activity. Second, I would invest in upgrading our parks and recreational areas, such as Ewing Park, to make them more accessible and enjoyable for families and visitors. This would include improving amenities, adding new recreational facilities, and enhancing green spaces. Finally, I would set aside a portion of the grant to establish a fund for economic development initiatives, supporting small businesses, and attracting new industries to help grow Ellwood City’s economy. This strategic approach would create a more vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous community for years to come.