HUBBARD — A longtime incumbent is being challenged for the 1st Ward Hubbard City Council seat.

Bonnie Viele, 70, a Democrat, who has served on council for nine terms, since 2000, is seeking re-election.

Brandon Pierson, 34, an independent candidate, is making a second attempt at gaining a post on council, having previously run for council-at-Large.

Viele said she is appreciates the support of ward residents who have re-elected herover the years.

She said she will focus on using the CARES Act funds, drug settlement funds, and other federal and state dollars the city receives to benefit not only residents of the 1st Ward, but the whole city.

“I have been using the same cardboard campaign signs I put up when I first ran in 2000,” she said.

Viele said she will address the water and sewer line issues in the ward.

“There have been problems with leaking lines. There are some areas that do not have city sewers, which I will address,” she said.

She said she also will address upgrading the electric system. She said while on council, the city was able to get a new water tank to benefit the entire city.

Viele has worked as a Democratic precinct committee woman for 10 years and a poll worker for 35 years.

Viele said she attended council meetings for 10 years before she first ran in 2000.

She said she is proud of her record of never missing a council meeting. Viele said she also attends all committee meetings and will sit in on other committee meetings to keep up with what is taking place.

“I get calls from not only residents of the 1st Ward, but from other parts of the city and try to help them or direct them to the right person who can address their concern,” she said.

Viele said she makes herself available to the residents.

“As the senior member of council, I have chaired the finance, zoning and park / recreation committees and have been chairman of the Hubbard Union Cemetery Board,” she said.

Viele said she plans to continue focusing on upgrading the city-owned electric department, working on infrastructure and continue to provide clean water at a fair rate to the consumers.

“I am the one on council they all say does her homework,” she said.

Viele said council and the administration have worked well together and the city is in good shape financially.

PIERSON

Pierson, a financial analyst with Premier Bank who has been in the banking industry since 2009, said his concerns are citywide. “I feel Hubbard’s utility department needs to be modernized,” he said.

Pierson said he would like to see more online accounts with statements and various payment options for customers.

He said he will seek grant money to improve the condition of sidewalks, noting some in the city are a safety hazard. He also would like to add more sidewalks to make the city more pedestrian friendly.

“There are some streets that do not even have sidewalks, which is a concern. I want to also address the city-owned parks. I feel focusing on sidewalks, streets and the parks will help with the overall beautification of the city,” Pierson said.

“It is great to get grants when we can but if they are not available we need to look at generating other revenue sources for the parks,” Pierson said.

He said he would like to attract more business to the city and increase property values.

He said officials need to focus on infrastructure and beautification to help make the city a desirable place for more business and residential development.

Pierson said the Eagle Joint Fire District does not have ambulance service because Hubbard was supported by LifeFleet until it recently pulled out. He said Lane LifeTrans has stepped up and has started supporting Hubbard.

“There are times that they are pulled to neighboring areas and other local first responders are not available, leaving Hubbard void of ambulance service. This is a crucial need for our city and I would like to explore ways to make this happen,” he said.

He said his background in financial management and business administration and professional experience would be an asset for the city.

Pierson serves as the chairman of the Hubbard Planning Zoning Appeals Board and also is a volunteer member of the Youngstown Blue Coats and volunteer coach for Hubbard Community Youth League.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com