WARREN — The race for Warren’s 1st Ward city council seat will see incumbent Todd Johnson, an independent, seek reelection against Joseph Valimont, a nonparty candidate. Both candidates shared their visions for the ward, focusing on growth, safety, and transparency, as voters prepare to make their choice in the upcoming election.

JOHNSON

Johnson, a lifelong Warren resident, is running for a second term as the 1st Ward councilman, driven by a passion for service. “It’s an honor to serve the people of Warren,” Johnson said. “I want to use my experience, insights, and connections to move our city forward and bring prosperity to our community.” He pointed to his achievements, including infrastructure improvements like street paving and sidewalk repairs funded by American Rescue Plan (ARP) dollars. One notable project is the upgrades to Burbank Park, which he said has become a source of pride for residents.

Johnson talked about the opening of Rural King, the first major retail store on Warren’s west side in decades, as a milestone. He’s also a strong supporter of the Peninsula project, a $150 million to $160 million mixed-use development largely within the 1st Ward. “This project will bring jobs, housing, and new energy to our ward,” he said. Other successes include transforming the former St. Joseph Hospital site into a green space with a walking path and supporting new housing on Drexel Avenue, which he said was the first such development on the northwest side in years.

His priorities for the next term include continuing neighborhood improvements, community development and economic growth. “Every resident wants the same things: a safe place to live, peace and opportunities,” Johnson said. He talked about the ward’s diversity, with a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds and a strong business community, which he sees as a strength to build on. For example, he’s worked with various area partners to address blighted areas like the Stonegate apartments, which have fallen into disrepair due to poor management.

Johnson is also thinking towards challenges like federal funding cuts. “We can’t replace federal dollars, but I’ve proposed setting aside a small amount of city funds for a mini-grant program to support our nonprofits and community partners,” he said. He believes strategic planning and public-private partnerships will help the city navigate financial uncertainties. On property tax changes, he discussed the need for “creative solutions and bold new directions,” he said.

Transparency is a key issue for Johnson, who said he has pushed for livestreaming city council meetings. “I’ve made this a priority because residents deserve to know what’s happening,” he said. To address low voter turnout in local elections, he urged residents to get involved. “Local races shape our city’s future. Check candidates’ records, see how they’ve served, and vote,” he said.

VALIMONT

Valimont, a retired Army officer, is running to bring new energy to the 1st Ward. Having completed 20 years of military service by late 2023, Valimont chose to return to Warren, where he has deep roots. “I could have gone anywhere, but I wanted to be here for the amazing things coming to Warren in the next decade,” he said. “I’m not looking for a paycheck — I want to help move our city forward.”

Valimont sees major opportunities in projects like Kimberly Clark and Mercy Health, which he believes can spark economic growth. “These developments will bring jobs, restaurants, housing, and more businesses to Warren,” he said. He praised the collaboration between Warren, Howland, and Warren Township to bring Kimberly-Clark to the area, noting that it will benefit the entire city. Similarly, the Mercy Health project in Champion allows Warren to tax income, creating a win-win for both communities.

Public safety is one of Valimont’s top concern, particularly after a recent fires. He attributes many of these incidents to inadequate health department inspections, especially in apartments managed by absentee landlords. “If we don’t inspect buildings regularly, we’re setting ourselves up for disasters,” he said. “Fires happen when fire equipment isn’t checked or wiring is faulty.”

Valimont also talked about transparency, calling for cameras to live stream city council meetings. “People have a right to know what’s happening in their government,” he said. He already shares updates through a newsletter, which he organizes in bite-sized, easy-to-read formats. “Not everyone has a newspaper subscription, so I try to get information out there,” he said. He believes simple steps like turning on existing sound in council chambers would make a big difference, dismissing excuses for delays. “It’s an easy fix, and it shouldn’t be forgotten,” he said.

Blight is another issue Valimont wants to tackle, pointing to problems like faulty wiring in abandoned buildings and poorly maintained apartments, such as Stonegate, which recently suffered a fire. “We need to address these issues to keep our neighborhoods safe,” he said. He also suggested working with community partners to improve housing and prevent fires, whether caused by arson or neglect.