WARREN — Voters in Warren will choose at-large city council members in the upcoming election, with candidates Helen Rucker, Michael O’Brien and Greg Thumm seeking to play a role in shaping the future of the city. Each candidate offered his or her vision for Warren, focusing on topics like quality of life, economic development, and housing. A fourth candidate, David Burnham, did not respond to requests for comment.

HELEN RUCKER

Rucker, a Democrat and incumbent councilwoman, is running for reelection to continue projects funded by the American Rescue Plan. She said she is committed to seeing these initiatives through, and said she is concerned with “quality of life” issues that impact residents. She is excited that community-driven programs are being sustained by parents and local organizations.

Rucker highlighted her efforts in funding citywide programs, such as a performing arts initiative for children to learn drama, speech and life skills. “These kids from 3 to 17 learned the whole summer with top-notch teachers who came in just for the program,” she said. She also supported a wellness fair for seniors, providing them with resources and $130 gift cards, which she noted “brought tears to their eyes” because it helped those living alone.

Looking ahead, Rucker said she wants to address housing needs and improve public access to council decisions. She supports livestreaming council meetings, stating, “It was one of our top priorities with the ARP funds.” She also wants to ensure economic developments like the Kimberly Clark project benefit Warren. “We need to tell people, we’re going to administer that 4% … and then we’re going to get 20% in tax revenue,” she said, explaining the financial benefits of the Joint Economic Development District.

Rucker also discussed the need for council to better inform residents about economic projects like the Golden Triangle. She said, “I think we need to do a better job of getting out to people what they are and how it benefits us.” She explained the financial benefits, noting, “The Golden Triangle … it’s 15 businesses over there … as those businesses grow, revenue from taxes will grow, and we’ll share in that.”

MICHAEL O’BRIEN

O’Brien, also a Democrat and incumbent, brings 40 years of public service experience, including roles as a city councilman, county commissioner and mayor. “I enjoy working with the public,” O’Brien said of his accessibility and strong relationships with local officials.

He cited accomplishments like starting the concert series at Packard Music Hall, securing funds for its elevator and speaker system, and opposing liquor licenses of certain businesses to address community concerns.

O’Brien stressed the importance of housing to support economic growth from projects like Kimberly-Clark. “It’s one thing to have employment. It’s another thing to have employment that the people are going to reside in your community,” he said, expressing a desire for workers to live in Warren to boost local tax revenue. He also advocated for stronger rental inspections, noting, “That’s been a problem for years, and keeping these rentals inspected … was really sorely needed.”

O’Brien expressed concern about potential property tax reductions impacting city services. He referenced a meeting in Howland Township, saying, “If this passes, and we lose revenue, we’re going to rely on the city of Warren … Police Department, Fire Department.” He questioned the impact on other services.

O’Brien talked about his ability to network and collaborate with area officials, which he believes benefits Warren. He said, “I have literally every public official in Mahoning Valley, past and present … Best part about it is there’s no need for an introduction.” He cited conversations with mayors from Struthers and Niles on veterans’ banners before introducing them in the city of Warren.

Public safety is another priority, with O’Brien supporting tools like Flock cameras for crime-solving. “They’re not speed cameras. … They’ll get a close-up of the person, the car, the driver’s plate, everything,” he said, highlighting their effectiveness in recent cases.

O’Brien also plans to coordinate a seminar for new council members to better understand city operations, “We need to do this, and I’m willing to be the person that will coordinate it all.”

GREG THUMM

Thumm, a newcomer with a business background, wants to bring new experience and perspective to Warren’s council. “I thought Warren could use a guy with a business background to help run the city,” he said, falling on his decades in manufacturing and his belief that Warren’s location makes it an ideal city for growth.

Thumm is focused on housing, arguing that the city needs significant development to accommodate new workers. “We need 1,000 homes, after we tore down 1,000 homes,” he said, proposing gated communities to attract residents.

With addressing housing needs, Thumm also stressed the need for stricter enforcement against negligent landlords, beyond just housing quality. He said, “When someone slips through the cracks and starts getting away with this, and the judge (says), ‘Oh, I’ll give you another 60 days,’ that has to end.” He advocated for tenants’ rights, stating, “You should have a quality of life just like anybody else … someone beats the hell out of you because they’re trying to make every dime they can make, they should be punished for that.”

Thumm also addressed the controversy over Dana Street, where a business owner sought to keep it closed. He questioned the decision, stating, “He didn’t have a good reason. … Dana should have been open. Should never have been closed.” Thumm praised the owner’s renovations but noted, “You’re not leaving. There’s no way you’re leaving here if you did all this.”

Thumm drew on his international business experience to discuss Warren’s economic potential, comparing it to past globalization efforts. He said, “The Marshall Plan was to rebuild the countries that we defeated in war … those factories that were pumping out steel 20 years later put all the Mahoning Valley steel workers out of a job.” He suggested Warren leverage its location, “Warren has got the good bones to become a great town again … because of the river and its location in the country for shipping.”