HUBBARD — Two current city council members are being challenged in the May primary for seats in the 2nd and 4th wards.

Second Ward Councilwoman Robin Zambrini is being challenged for the Democratic nomination by Paul Toth. Fourth Ward Councilman Michael Toda is being challenged for the Democratic nod by Cathy Cummings.

SECOND WARD

Zambrini has served on council since January 2020 and has been chairwoman of the finance committee and a member of the streets and sidewalks, and community and economic development committees.

Zambrini said she wants to assist the city in any way she can to rebound from a challenging 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said her priorities will continue to be passing legislation that centers on the well-being of Hubbard residents and the business community.

As chairwoman of council’s finance committee, she said she will continue to lead the legislative process to appropriate funding for services and improvement projects, and to work with city administration in the coming months on the prudent use of government funding allocated to the city for pandemic recovery.

Zambrini said she will continue to be an active member of both the streets and sidewalks and community and economic development committees.

“My legislative role aside, I look forward to serving as a liaison for the residents of the 2nd Ward who have questions or concerns that I can assist them with. I anticipate with optimism that this year, the new council term that begins in 2022 and the years to come will be ones of prosperity for the city,” Zambrini said.

Since 2007, Zambrini has worked in marketing at Powered Aire Inc. in Greenville, Pa. and also has been an adjunct faculty member at University of Arizona Global Campus (formerly Ashford University, San Diego, Calif.., instructing online journalism and communications courses since June 2015.

Toth did not return a candidate questionnaire and did not return several phone calls seeking comment on the race.

FOURTH WARD

Toda, who was appointed more than five years ago to the council seat and then was re-elected unopposed in two subsequent elections, said he will continue working to serve not only the residents of the 4th Ward but also the city.

He said he has been involved with the finance committee and with the planning / zoning committee since being on council. Toda said he is working on getting the zoning books updated to current codes since it has not been updated in many years.

He said the finance committee has been busy watching the city’s spending and enusring officials stay within the budget.

Toda said he will continue to get roads resurfaced and improved in the 4th Ward.

“We have been able to get 70 percent of the streets resurfaced in the 4th Ward,” he said.

Toda said when residents have questions, he will look into their concerns and get back to them in a timely manner.

“I tell them I will do my best to help solve their problem or concern,” Toda said.

With the 4th Ward being the largest of the all the city’s wards, it has city parks for which he and city officials are working to get grants to put in new playground equipment.

“The parks are close to my heart. I grew up in the 4thWard and played ball at the parks,” he said.

He said as a member of council he has overseen work to replace storm sewers in the city and address flooding issues.

Toda, a Democrat and self-employed income tax preparer for 32 years, said he wants to continue serving the residents.

Cummings is making her first attempt at seeking public office. She said she wants to be a councilmember who is available to the public and to address their needs and concerns.

“People have said they are looking for someone who is accessible and can be reached for help. People have asked me to run and be a person who will follow up on issues and stick to getting things done. It is important to be available to the people,” she said.

Cummings said issues for the 4th Ward include sidewalks needing repaired and improved since trees have caused some damage. She said she would like to see improvements made to the park located in the ward.

She said she will work with zoning officials to get zoning codes updated.

Cummings has been active in the community with the Hubbard Band Boosters and the city’s Christmas program.

Cummings said it is important to take part in the community in whatever way a person can. She said she has enjoyed being part of making community events such as the drive-thru Christmas program this past December possible and now feels she wants to work for the community in another way as a member of city council.

Cummings said improving the city in all ways and working with Mayor Ben Kyle to do so will be a priority. Cummings is retired from the Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services.

Her husband, William, serves on the Hubbard Board of Education.