WARREN — The race for Warren’s 7th Ward city council seat sees challenger Duane Hennen, a pastor, running as an independent, facing incumbent Democrat Ron White, who is seeking reelection after six years on council.

Hennen, a lifelong 7th Ward resident, said he is driven by a desire to restore pride in Warren.

“The biggest reason I’m running is I think we need some desperate change in our city,” he said.

He points to the ward’s “economic decline” and rising≠ violence as urgent issues, citing two recent murders just a mile from his home.

“We’ve got to stamp out some of the crime and do as much as we can to deter it,” he said.

To address crime, Hennen upports hiring more police officers. He also endorses community policing and neighborhood watches. Hennen believes reducing crime is critical to attracting businesses, noting his past efforts to bring business to Warren during his congressional campaign.

He sees economic development, like the upcoming Kimberly-Clark project, as a “huge booster shot” but stresses the need for more businesses along West Market Street to replace long-closed establishments.

Hennen also prioritizes beautification, particularly addressing rundown apartment complexes on Southern Boulevard and near the former Sparkle Market on Parkman Road.

“You think you’re in a war zone,” he said, describing the state of the parking lots at some of the properties and neglected buildings. He calls for holding landlords accountable to maintain properties, arguing that a cleaner, safer ward would draw residents and businesses alike.

To engage the community, Hennen supports livestreaming council meetings to increase transparency, saying, “People should be able to see what goes on.”

RONALD WHITE

White, reflecting on his six-year tenure, wants to see ongoing projects through, including economic developments like the Northwest Facility and potential expansions by WTR, a waste transfer company.

“I’m going to see through the projects this ward has going on or getting ready to go on. I would like to see that accomplished,” he said.

He also said he would like to bring a grocery store to help with the ward’s food desert. He also suggested utilizing existing infrastructure in his word for housing to support any potential incoming workers, particularly with Kimberly-Clark’s arrival.

White acknowledges crime as a challenge but said it takes community involvement.

“If you see something, say something,” he said.

He supports hiring more officers, but highlights resource constraints, pointing out that even cities with more police, like Youngstown, face persistent violence.

White also addressed problematic apartment complexes, particularly on Southern Boulevard, but notes that residents must file complaints to prompt action.

“A lot of (residents) are afraid to file,” he said.

Infrastructure remains a priority for White, who has pushed for sidewalk repairs and the demolition of condemned properties. He is optimistic about federal funding despite cuts, believing that job growth from projects like Kimberly-Clark will boost tax revenue.

White also supports livestreaming council meetings, noting that monitors are already in place and discussions are underway to implement broadcasting.