VIENNA - An event was held at Jackson Memorial Park Tuesday evening for community members to be introduced to the city's mayoral, recorder and council candidates.
The League of Women Voters of Wood County held a "Meet the Candidates" night at 7 p.m. at the Vienna Community Building. It was designed to introduce local voters to people running for office in the city of Vienna on Nov. 6.
The meeting was co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wood County, the Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter of AARP and the Vienna Senior Citizens.
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Kathy Stoltz of the League of Women Voters speaks prior to the beginning of Vienna's 'Meet the Candidates” night at the Vienna Community Building.
Vienna mayoral candidates are running as nonpartisan and did not go through a primary election.
City recorder Randy Rapp is running for mayor. Rapp said in his last eight years as recorder he has learned the responsibilities expected in the office of mayor. Rapp said he is looking forward to the election.
"Vienna's a great town," he said. "The parks are the nicest in the state. Vienna is the pride of the valley."
Rapp mentioned his work with the sewer project that will have a 20-year lifespan and pay for itself in 10 years.
Mayoral candidate Jack Roush, a businessman, explained why he wanted to run for mayor.
"It's time to give back for what everybody's given me," he said. "I'm your guy."
Roush said he was reading a book by Ohio Gov. John Kasich titled "Every Other Monday." He said the book talks about open doors and opportunities, which led to his decision to not only run for mayor but become a deacon at a Catholic church.
Cathy Smith is running for city recorder unopposed. She said she is proud to represent women on the council, where she is outnumbered by male participants.
"I'm looking forward to moving forward for the city of Vienna," she said.
Council candidates were Roger Conley, Roger Bibbee, Jim Asbury, Jack Heater, Paul Thornton, Steve Stephens, Dave Cyrus, Larry Godfrey, Jim Sims, Bruce Rogers, Mike Elam and Jim Miracle. Matthew Whited was unable to attend due to a work conflict.
Conley discussed his ideas about developing the small "industry park" Vienna has become. Conley discussed how he would focus on bringing in business, jobs and expansion.
There are five council seats and 13 people running for them. Four of the candidates are running for re-election. Bibbee, Thornton, Rogers and Miracle are all running to serve another four years as council members.
Asbury, a member of the Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority, said he is proud of the small community atmosphere in Vienna.
Heater said he is running with experience as a manager of an ambulance service. Heater said he would be accessible to voters if picked as a council candidate.
Former Vienna police Chief Steve Stephens said he is proud of the city's hard-working employees who have proven their loyalty to the city. He said he is running to help the city do an even better job.
Kathy Stoltz, with the League of Women Voters, said she was pleased with the turnout for the event.
"I'm really pleased," she said. "It's the biggest crowd we've had in years."
Stoltz said the 13 candidates running for the five seats may have gotten the voters curious. She said it is good for people to realize how important city council meetings and the council members are.
"I never knew governing could be this accessible," she said. "Anybody can stand up and voice a concern; go to your city council meeting."
