WARREN — Voters in Warren largely opted for continuity in Tuesday’s city council elections, reelecting most incumbents while ushering in newcomers in two races, including an upset in the 5th Ward.

In the at-large contest, incumbents Helen Rucker and Michael O’Brien, both Democrats, secured reelection, while Democratic newcomer Greg Thumm secured a victory. They were running against Republican David Burnham.

In the 1st Ward, independent incumbent Todd Johnson claimed victory over nonparty challenger Joseph Valimont with more than 60% of the vote, according to complete but unofficial results from the Trumbull County Board of Elections. Incumbent Ron White Sr. held onto the 7th Ward seat, garnering 70% against challenger Duane Hennen. In the 5th Ward, newcomer Michael Shrodek unseated incumbent Tiffany Stanford with 63% of the vote, also besting former ward holder Ashley McBride.

HELEN RUCKER

Rucker, a sitting councilwoman, campaigned on finalizing American Rescue Plan projects and addressing daily resident issues. She expressed enthusiasm during her campaign for community programs. Rucker highlighted her backing of a youth performing arts initiative for ages 3 to 17, featuring professional educators in drama, public speaking and personal development. She also endorsed a senior health expo with services and $130 vouchers, which she said evoked emotional responses from solitary attendees.

“I’m glad that the three of us will be sitting in at-large seats. With so much work to do, we’ll work well together,” Rucker said after the win, adding that she plans to meet soon with Mayor Doug Franklin to map out next steps for the at-large members. “I’m appreciative of the voters and people that worked the poll,” she added.

Looking ahead, Rucker plans to tackle housing demands and boost transparency in council proceedings. She advocated for streaming sessions live as a primary ARP allocation. On endeavors like Kimberly Clark, she emphasized explaining perks, including handling a 4% charge and securing 20% tax proceeds via the Joint Economic Development District. Rucker urged stronger communication about sites like the Golden Triangle with its 15 enterprises, where growth would amplify joint tax benefits.

MICHAEL O’BRIEN

O’Brien, an incumbent with 40 years in government as councilman, commissioner and mayor, focused on his public engagement and connections with area figures. He highlighted successes such as initiating Packard Music Hall’s concert lineup, acquiring money for its lift and sound enhancements, and rejecting alcohol licenses for outlets amid community pushback.

After securing the win Tuesday, O’Brien said he was looking forward to working closely with the administration on the Peninsula Project. “It’s an exciting time to work with the development of the Kimberly-Clark project in the southwestern boundary of Warren, and to work closely with the Port Authority and those job enhancements,” O’Brien said, also adding, “I always have been able to provide strong constituent service, and this term will be my 41st and 42nd year as a public official, and I had the same energy as I did when I first took office at age 25.”

O’Brien linked housing to sustaining growth from Kimberly-Clark, positing that in-town habitation augments revenues. He urged better lease property audits, a chronic shortfall needing remedy. About property tax cut threats, O’Brien flagged resource squeezes, alluding to a Howland forum where deficits might burden Warren’s safety forces, and wondered about wider repercussions.

O’Brien praised his valley-wide alliances, where established ties skip formalities. He noted exchanges with Struthers and Niles executives on service member tributes pre-Warren adoption.

For protection, he endorsed flock cameras for detailed offender and auto imaging in probes, separating from pace enforcers and citing fresh efficacy. He volunteered to helm an introductory course for new officials on city processes.

GREG THUMM

Thumm, a business-oriented candidate, said he wanted to contribute operational expertise to governance, based on his production background and Warren’s advantageous setup for progress. He highlighted housing necessities, advocating 1,000 constructions after removals and suggesting fortified subdivisions for appeal.

“I am both honored and humbled to have been elected to the council-at-large seat. Together with like-minded council members and city leaders, we will build a brighter future for all of Warren City,” Thumm said after securing the win.

Thumm insisted on rigorous penalties for delinquent proprietors, decrying grace periods and requiring repercussions for abusive profiteering that erodes renter quality. Concerning Dana Street’s prolonged blockage by a merchant, Thumm labeled the basis inadequate, asserting reopening was due irrespective of refurbishments and the entity’s staying power.

TODD JOHNSON

Johnson, a lifelong Warren resident and independent incumbent, ran on his record of service and commitment to infrastructure and economic development. He highlighted accomplishments such as using American Rescue Plan funds for street paving, sidewalk repairs and upgrades to Burbank Park, which he described as a point of pride for the community. Johnson noted the opening of Rural King as the west side’s first major retail store in decades and supported the Peninsula project, a $150 million to $160 million mixed-use development expected to bring jobs and housing. He also pointed to converting the former St. Joseph Hospital site into a green space and backing new housing on Drexel Avenue.

His priorities include neighborhood enhancements, community development and economic expansion, addressing residents’ shared desires for safety and opportunities. Johnson has worked with partners to address blighted areas like the Stonegate apartments. He proposed a mini-grant program to offset federal funding cuts and advocated for creative solutions on property taxes. A proponent of transparency, he pushed for live-streaming council meetings and encouraged voter participation by reviewing candidates’ records.

RON 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 suggested utilizing existing infrastructure in his ward 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.

MICHAEL SHRODEK

Shrodek, a nearly 30-year 5th Ward resident and former teacher in nearby Niles, described himself as a lifelong Warren resident committed to the community. “I’m a lifelong Warren resident … I’ve been committed to Warren, and I want to help out in any way I can,” he said.

Shrodek prioritized public safety, proposing one police officer per ward for all three shifts to deter crime and reduce response times.

“It’s a deterrent. They’re not going to go where a police officer is patrolling a ward,” he said.

He also supports a drone program to aid police in tracking suspects in difficult areas. Infrastructure is another concern, with Shrodek already reporting 42 streetlights for repair. He points to a clogged ditch near the former Devon Elementary School causing road damage on Central Parkway, claiming, “The road started caving in… they’ve never fixed that issue.”

Access to grocery stores is a key issue for Shrodek, who sees the southeast side as underserved. “The northeast side and the northwest side have grocery stores, but other than the southwest side, we’ve got all that land,” he said.

He suggests sites like Ridgeview Plaza for a new store. To boost accessibility, he suggested council start livestreaming council meetings and adding he’d like to see council allow phone-in participation, saying, “People who can’t make it for whatever reason, they’re working, they don’t have transportation, should be able to phone in.”