Staff photo / Bob Coupland Six newly elected community members have been sworn in to the Girard Board of Education and Girard City Council. Front row, from left, are board of education members Scott Strain, Tammy King and Zak Steiner. Back row, from left, are new members of city council James Clark as 3rd Ward councilman, and Tod Latell and Wes Steiner as councilmen at large.

GIRARD — New faces will be working for the community as new members of city council and the board of education were sworn into office this week.

Girard Municipal Court Judge Jeff Adler swore in new and reelected council members and new members to the board of education.

Starting terms on council this month are Tod Latell and Wes Steiner as councilmen-at-Large and James Clark as 3rd Ward councilman.

On the board of education, new members are Zak Steiner and Scott Strain and elected to a new term after being appointed previously to fill an opening on the board is Tammy King.

TOD LATELL

Latell, who was elected to two terms as Trumbull County recorder from January 2017 to December 2024, said he will work with city officials and council to promote growth.

“I have been attending council meetings since the beginning of last year, and I believe we have some great opportunities to improve our downtown area and other locations across the city,” he said.

He said council members need to have a clear understanding of the budget.

“Our auditor and city officials have done well as the city appears to be in good financial standing. Transparency on the budget is paramount, as taxpayer money and available funds in general should be handled with care,” Latell said.

He said as county recorder, he ran a tight budget and left the recorder’s office in great shape.

“I believe when we have a strong school system, provide great police / fire and safety services in general, and residents feel city leadership is engaged and working for the benefit of all, success will happen,” Latell said.

WES STEINER

Wes Steiner was a first-time candidate for public office. He said as a surveyor with knowledge in zoning, he plans to bring a valuable skill set to city council to help improve the community.

He said zoning is essential to make sure that growth is well planned and remains sustainable for the future.

Steiner said there is a need for better signage in the downtown, with residents and visitors becoming more aware of the available parking space behind Chase Bank, as well as behind and across the street from the U.S. Post Office.

“Better signage will help improve accessibility and convenience for everyone,” he said.

He said he will work with Lake to River Economic Development to help bring businesses to the area, which will help generate additional tax revenue for the city.

Steiner said as Girard continues to evolve into a more transient community, he believes it is important to focus on mentoring and youth engagement. He has served in many positions working with youth sports and activities.

Steiner said he is committed to advocating for programs and policies that empower young people in the community.

JAMES CLARK

Clark said he comes from a family of civil servants, with his mother serving as city treasurer in East Liverpool and his grandmother serving as a councilwoman in East Palestine.

Clark said accountability in leadership will be a top priority. He said recent events in Girard, especially the problems with the school district’s finances, have shown how costly a lack of oversight can be.

“My top priority is to make sure those in leadership positions are accountable for their decisions and for how public money is handled,” Clark said.

He said as a casino executive, he often had to stand his ground, protect the best interests of the business and still convince high-level clients to choose them over the competition.

“I will bring that same approach to city council to protect residents and ensure their voices and tax dollars are safeguarded,” Clark said.

He said he will bring improvements into Girard by securing outside funding.

Clark said he will look at completing community improvement projects, and will seek grant programs and connect the right people to get projects done. He said he will see that Girard competes for funding dollars and for resources that can make a real difference in the community.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

King said after she was named to fill the board vacancy when longtime board member Diane Alejars stepped down she decided to run in the November election for a new four-year term.

King was selected from seven applicants who sought to fill the seat. King is a retired professor from Youngstown State University and holds a doctoral degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

She said previously she will use her experience in education and higher education to focus on the future of the Girard Local School District and ensure that the staff has the resources they need to educate the students.

Zak Steiner and Strain are both new to public office.

Steiner said he wants to start a “Listen and Learn” tour across the district, meeting directly with administrators, teachers, staff and students, and listening to what they need to be more successful.

He said he would also like to expand recognition and engagement at board meetings, and in addition to recognizing students each month, also recognize staff, alumni and school groups.

Steiner said he will stay in contact with and work with the Ohio House on any upcoming or proposed changes to property tax and school funding to ensure the district’s needs are represented.

Strain said he will focus on the safety and success of the students, and develop positive relationships with the teachers, administration and staff to foster growth and trust while maintaining transparency.

He said as a former Girard school resource officer and juvenile investigator for six years allowed for developing trusting relationships with students and staff.

Also sworn in for new terms were Reynald Paoleone as Girard council president, Henry Sforza as treasurer, Lily Martuccio for council-at-large, and Keith Schubert, John Moliterno and Thomas Grumley as council ward members.