Note: This is part 5 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. Parts 2 and 3 featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. PART 4 featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council.
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 Barry, Mancini, and Mayor Anthony Court. Part 4, yesterday’s article, featured Williams, Ovial, and Lamenza.
Jim Barry
Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Council: 8 years. Real life experiences as a businessman.
What neighborhood do you live in? Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town? I live in the North Side of town in Ewing Park and love to spend time in Ewing Park.
What makes a good city council member? Listening.
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? Police payroll, street equipment, and overall getting Ellwood’s finances in order.
Why do you want to be a council member? I love Ellwood City, and I have lived here all my life. I have real experiences that can help the borough like being a long-time business owner.
Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve? To keep the town safe and clean and to get the Borough’s finances in order.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve? Being in business 50 years.
In what community activities/organizations have you been involved? Chamber of Commerce and the economic development committee.
What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or council members? I try to watch the money.
As a council member, where would you look to make budget cuts? Biggest problem is police and fireman overtime.
How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? Try to followup … They may not always get answer they want to hear, but I do make an effort to listen and solve issues.
What are 2-3 strengths of which our town can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? Swimming pool, park, and borough employees.
If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? Trying to keep the expenses down.
Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that? In this day and age it’s tough for the downtown with competition from online stores, etc. I don’t think there’s anything we can do to restore the mainstreet to historic levels, but it’s always good to try and explore options. I’m not sure anyone has the perfect answer.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town? More people need to come to the meetings. Just a few come out.
If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing? I want to curb any wasteful spending.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? Pay off debt.
Joseph D. Mancini
Family: My wife, Marilyn, and two daughters.
Employment: I am retired from the State, employed by Wine and Spirits. I was employed for 38 years and as a manager for 32 years. I was the manager in Ellwood for the last 12 years.
What neighborhood do you live in? Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town? I live in the Third Ward. I have lived on the same street for my whole life. When I got married, I bought my grandparents’ home down the street from my parents. The people of the Third Ward can time their watches to when I head to McDonald’s for coffee. I enjoy all of our local eateries. I spend a lot of time at the Ellwood City pool, I am a season ticket holder. I enjoy attending all the sporting events at the high school and fields.
What makes a good city council member? Be a good listener, compassionate, offer solution-based thinking, transparency, ethical leadership, and most importantly be accessible to the workers and residents of our town.
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) As a retired senior, a medical care facility
2) Rehabilitation and maintenance of properties
3) Decreasing population
1a) It would be wonderful to at least have a brick-and-mortar emergency facility
2b) I noticed recently that a grant was available for Lawrence County, and not many residents applied. Advertise this to residents, and then council members can help residents out with the paperwork.
3c) Our family-friendly small town is ideal for young couples, so we must continue to revitalize our town with commercial and residential owners maintaining their properties.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve? I was a manager for over 3 decades, handling a variety of situations dealing with customer service, businesses, and employees. I have enjoyed politics my whole life but was unable to run due to my job as a civil servant. Now that I am retired and have worked as a judge of elections in my ward and canvassed for local, state, and federal candidates, I thought it was my time to serve the town I love!
Why do you want to be a council member? As a lifelong resident, I love this town and want to see this town continue to prosper for the next generation.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve? I spent my whole career working with numerous customers, employees, and businesses across several stores throughout local counties. I coached young kids from Tee-Ball to Little League. I volunteer at the local food bank and with my church, Holy Redeemer. I have always been involved with customer relations in my job.
In what community activities/organizations have you been involved? I was involved in the Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation as a coach and umpire for at least 20 years. I also played baseball and softball in my younger years. I ran the Fourth of July 10K race for over 30 years. Upon retirement, I was able to have more time to volunteer. I serve as a minister of hospitality at my church, Holy Redeemer. I am a part of the Special Activities Group, serving as the treasurer. I am an officer in the Holy Name Society. I also help with the Lenten pizza sale and festival pepperoni puffs sales. I also volunteer weekly at the local food bank.
What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or council members? I am fair, honest, and accountable. I will listen to everyone. I will do my own research before I make a decision.
As a council member, where would you look to make budget cuts? I would have to do research and review the current status. I would like to speak to department heads and employees to also get a better understanding.
How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? As an elected official, it would be my job to listen to any person or group that brings an issue to me. I would encourage involvement by attending meetings and I would do the homework and deal with the matter by working with my fellow council members.
What are 2-3 strengths of which our town can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? We have an outstanding police department and drug task force. The same goes for the fire department and paramedics. Our town is lucky to have such dedicated and capable individuals. We have a wonderful small-town appeal that offers a lot of amenities: our own pool, beautiful parks, ball fields, fine eateries, sports bars, breweries, a hardware store, and grocery stores. Compared to other small towns, ours is maintaining and growing to expand to the needs of all residents.
If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? Continue to improve infrastructure to make our town sustainable.
Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that? I believe it is healthy and successful; we have a variety of businesses, and it is far better than neighboring towns. We always welcome new businesses.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town? I would encourage residents to attend council meetings regularly. I am always available, and you can always find me out walking the town. I’d love to hear from you!
If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing? I would need to review the budget first. I think many people have ideas, and until you review the figures, you can’t do anything. I would have to see what is available and go from there.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? First, I would ask department heads (police, fire, public works, utilities, sewage, etc.) what they need to update their departments. Second, offer low-interest loans to residents for upkeep and maintenance of their properties (example, crumbling sidewalks and steps).
Mayor Anthony Court
Family: A daughter Ashley and husband Zac Carr and two children Conner Russel and Courtney Elizabeth; a son Kevin Anthony; and a daughter Cassidy Lynn Meyers and son Griffin Jared.
How long have you been mayor? I have proudly served as Mayor for 18 years, with each term spanning four years. In addition to my elected terms, I also held the position of Acting Mayor for two years while serving as Council President, stepping in due to challenges faced by the previous administration. As I look ahead, I remain committed to leading and serving the community, and, God willing, my fifth term will begin in January 2026
Key responsibilities? As Mayor, I hold the highest-ranking position in the Borough, carrying a wide range of responsibilities. My role requires strong leadership, sound decision-making skills, and a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of our residents. I work closely with the Ellwood City Police Department, including Sgt. McBride, to ensure public safety. Representing the borough at events, I foster relationships with residents and local businesses, strengthening community ties. Additionally, I collaborate with the Borough Council to implement policies that enhance the city’s well-being. Supporting initiatives that drive business growth and improve local infrastructure remains a key priority in my efforts to create a thriving and prosperous community
Key accomplishments during your time? During my tenure in office, we have successfully conducted over 650 drug arrests, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and continuing these crucial efforts. Beyond law enforcement, I have led numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in our community. From economic development efforts to public space improvements, these programs have been designed to support growth, foster engagement, and strengthen our local identity. A good example of this identity would be community policing. It builds a rapport within the community wheras the the community can relate to a police officer on a personal level vs. a professional level. This exchange builds a bond and trust. Communicating with an officer doesn’t always have to be in a crisis mode. Each initiative reflects a commitment to building a stronger, more connected community. Over the years, I have been honored with numerous awards recognizing my dedication and service, including the Distinguished Service Award and Outstanding Citizen (2007), Mayor of the Year (2014), Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Ellwood City Community (2019), the Cecil K. Leberknight Award for Faithful and Effective Service from the PA State Borough Association (2019), and the Community Service Award (2025). Additionally, I previously served as the President of the Pennsylvania State Borough Association and remain an active member of the Executive Board for the Mayor’s Association, continuing my work to support and strengthen our local government initiatives. Through these efforts, I remain committed to fostering a safer, stronger, and more beautiful community.
What you hope to accomplish as you continue as mayor? Improving Ellwood City and continuing to push forward remain top priorities. By working alongside the Borough Council and engaging with the general public, I am committed to implementing policies that enhance our city and elevate the quality of life for all residents. Through collaboration and forward-thinking leadership, we strive to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
What makes you want to continue to serve as mayor? The desire to continue serving as mayor of Ellwood City is driven by my deep passion for the community and a commitment to meaningful progress. It gives me the opportunity to directly impact residents’ lives—whether through strengthening local businesses, improving infrastructure, or enhancing public safety. The ability to collaborate with the Borough Council, law enforcement, and community members to implement positive change makes being mayor both fulfilling and rewarding. Seeing Ellwood City grow, witnessing the dedication of its people, and playing a key role in shaping its future are strong motivations to continue serving. Ultimately, the pride and responsibility of leading a community with such strong values and connections fuel the ongoing commitment to the role.
Best part of being mayor? Serving as mayor is an incredibly fulfilling role, allowing me to make a direct impact on the community by engaging with residents and addressing their concerns. From performing wedding ceremonies (Over 115 completed to date) and attending special events to fostering open communication, I take pride in building strong connections with the people I serve. My focus extends beyond personal achievements—I am dedicated to reaching meaningful goals that benefit my constituents and contribute to the overall well-being of our borough. With a commitment to always seeing the bigger picture, I strive to create a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
Best part of Ellwood City? The way residents come together—whether it’s supporting local businesses, celebrating at town events, or simply looking out for one another—truly defines the heart of our borough. The strong relationships between residents, businesses, and local government create an environment where positive change is possible. Whether it’s revitalizing infrastructure, promoting economic growth, or ensuring public safety, there’s a shared commitment to making Ellwood City a better place for everyone. The pride and passion of the community make serving as mayor a meaningful and rewarding experience.
Who has inspired you in this position over the years? My parents have been my greatest inspirations throughout my life, each shaping me in unique and invaluable ways. My mother’s grace and the way she carried herself in daily life influenced my values and aspirations profoundly—not just politically, but in every aspect of who I am. At the same time, my father’s strength, wisdom, and unwavering support have guided me through challenges and reinforced my commitment to integrity and perseverance. Their combined influence has instilled in me a deep appreciation for leadership, resilience, and compassion.
What is your vision for the city in the next several years? As Mayor, my vision for Ellwood City over the next several years is to foster growth, strengthen community connections, and ensure a high quality of life for all residents. I aim to continue revitalizing local infrastructure, supporting economic development, and enhancing public safety through close collaboration with law enforcement and local businesses. My goal is to create more opportunities for small businesses to thrive, improve public spaces, and modernize essential services to meet the evolving needs of our community. Additionally, I am committed to maintaining strong partnerships with the Borough Council and residents to implement policies that reflect our shared values and aspirations. Above all, I envision Ellwood City as a place where families, businesses, and individuals can prosper, with a strong sense of unity and progress guiding us into the future.
Being the Mayor of Ellwood City is both an honor and a privilege. Every day, I have the opportunity to serve the residents, work toward meaningful progress, and strengthen the community we all call home. Leading this borough is not just a responsibility—it is a commitment to ensuring that Ellwood City continues to grow, thrive, and remain a place where businesses, families, and individuals can succeed. I take great pride in representing our city and working alongside residents to shape a brighter future for all.
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