BELPRE - Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz said things are improving in the city and he wants to continue working toward prosperity.
Lorentz, a Democrat, has announced he will seek a second term as Belpre's mayor.
"We have gotten some places cleaned up around here and helped change the attitude people have toward our city," he said.
Lorentz said the expansion announcement of Marietta Memorial Hospital to build a facility in Belpre has been a major positive for the city, and he's expecting more to come.
Lorentz said there has been interest in the vacant Lee Middleton Dolls building as well as other business seeking to expand and change.
"We have some progress in economic development," he said. "People are wanting to build here."
Lorentz plans to build a small team to produce a 10-year vision for city. Within that team, Lorentz wants to include some of the city's future leaders, school children. Lorentz said he was impressed by input he received from students during government day.
Lorentz also wants input from business leaders. Lorentz said Belpre needs more interaction with its citizens.
He's encouraging residents to become more active in the city, in government, business and education.
"Once the mayor gets it started and everybody gets an equal voice, whether I am here or not, it will carry on."
