WARREN — Two at-large seats on Warren City Council are up for grabs in the upcoming primary election, with incumbents Helen Rucker and Michael O’Brien facing challenges from former councilman Ken MacPherson, business owner Greg Thumm and Navy veteran Felicia Pruitt Davis.

David Burnham has filed as a Republican for the at-large seat, so the top two vote getters in May will face him in November.

The candidates bring diverse perspectives on economic development, public safety and government accountability as the city navigates ongoing revitalization efforts.

HELEN RUCKER

Rucker, a longtime councilwoman — first in the 6th Ward and then at-large — is seeking re-election, positioning herself as a steady hand guiding Warren through progress and challenges. She highlighted the city’s successful distribution of federal ARP funds and new investor interest, but acknowledged budget concerns if state and federal cuts materialize.

Rucker emphasized her institutional knowledge in advocating for council training sessions to improve financial oversight. Among her proudest accomplishments, she listed park upgrades, saving Packard Music Hall and supporting housing initiatives.

On blighted properties, Rucker said new legislation will add two sanitarians and revise fines to hold absentee landlords accountable. Regarding police reform, she called for transparency and renewed community policing. She defended council’s recent pay raise — the first in 15 years — while admitting messaging about the raises could have been better.

Looking ahead, Rucker wants to streamline committees and keep Warren “in lockstep with investors.” She also called the stalled Dana Street development — site of the former Packard Electric — an “eyesore” needing resolution.

KEN MACPHERSON

Former Councilman at-Large MacPherson is running as a fiscal watchdog, pledging to challenge wasteful spending and modernize city operations. He criticized last year’s council pay raise as an “unconscionable moral hazard” and vowed to push for a voter referendum on the issue.

A technology professional, MacPherson proposes AI-powered pothole detection, digital legislation tracking and better public notification systems.

“We’re still printing documents like it’s 1995,” he said.

On public safety, he supports Flock license plate cameras but called for more rental property inspections, noting the city collects $500,000 in fees without enough enforcement. He questioned the $1.5 million allocation to the A.C. Williams Community Center and opposed the prolonged Dana Street closure unless residents support it.

Known for past fiery debates, MacPherson said he’ll “choose battles wiser” but won’t shy away from accountability.

“Warren deserves leaders who follow the money,” he said.

GREG THUMM

Political newcomer Thumm, a watchmaker and business executive, is running as a problem-solver with private-sector discipline. He criticized delays in removing the Mahoning River dams, warning of liability risks after recent drownings.

Thumm cautiously supported developments like the Dillon project but questioned the West Market Street Bridge closure’s impact on businesses, including his family’s Thumm’s Bike Shop. He called last year’s council pay raise justified but poorly messaged and opposed the $1.5 million A.C. Williams Community Center funding, preferring infrastructure repairs.

“Warren has great bones but needs street-by-street pride,” he said, pledging hands-on oversight.

If elected, he will seek a finance committee role, stressing that employers choose Warren for its workforce, not politicians.

FELICIA PRUITT DAVIS

Navy veteran and small business owner Pruitt Davis is campaigning on public safety, economic diversification and government transparency. She cited daily gunfire in some neighborhoods and pledged to push for more police patrols and reopened fire stations.

“Republic Steel and GE aren’t coming back,” Davis said, urging partnerships with tech firms like Intel.

She criticized blight along key corridors, vowing balanced investment across all wards.

On the council pay raise, she declined to take a position but promised livestreamed meetings for transparency. A Dress for Success founder, Davis positioned herself as a unifier for the often-divided council, proposing team-building exercises.

“We’re at a crossroads,” she said. “It’s time for change.”

MICHAEL J. O’BRIEN

Veteran public servant O’Brien highlighted his work on downtown revitalization, including the $2 million Peninsula Project and Flock license plate cameras to aid police.

He stressed seasonal priorities like pothole repairs and blight removal. O’Brien warned of potential state cuts to marijuana tax revenue, which could cost Warren $300,000 per dispensary.

On Dana Street, he confirmed plans for a council tour to assess progress.

Known for accessibility, O’Brien said he still spends “45 minutes at Giant Eagle” answering constituent questions.

“Experience helps me solve problems,” he said, framing his re-election bid as crucial for stability.

The May 6 primary will narrow the field before November’s general election. With Warren at a pivotal moment, voters will decide whether to retain experienced leaders or opt for new approaches.