GIRARD — Four Democratic candidates are fighting for three open city council at-large seats in the May 6 primary.

It is the only contested race on the Democratic ballot. Reynald Paolone filed to retain his seat as council president, while 1st Ward Councilman Keith Schubert and 4th Ward Councilman Thomas Grumley also filed to retain their seats, with no Republicans filing in any of those races.

Councilwoman Lily Martuccio, at-Large, is being challenged in the Democratic primary by Tod Latell, who lost reelection as Trumbull County recorder in November to Republican Dawn Zinni. Gordon Byrne and Wes Steiner are the other two candidates. .

Councilman-at-Large Sam Zirafi decided not to run again, while at-Large Councilman John Moliterno is seeking the Democratic nod for the 3rd Ward seat because incumbent Jeff Kay opted not to run.

GORDON BYRNE

Byrne, a retired Army officer of 24 years and Iraq combat veteran who is running for public office for the first time, believes his military and leadership experience, in addition to his time as a business owner, could bring a lot to the at-large position.

Byrne wrote that he values economic growth, and he believes in the current administration headed by Mayor Mark Zuppo — whose term began last year.

“He is leading our city in a positive direction with economic growth and bringing the community together for the good,” Byrne wrote in his candidate questionnaire. “He’s consulting with officials from other cities to find ways to improve Girard, updating and beautifying the city so that businesses want to come here.”

Byrne wrote that he believes infrastructural maintenance and improvements are a priority for Girard residents to live and function in a safe environment.

“I am also a strong supporter of our youth, needing a town that is safe and comfortable for them, being able to play and participate in activities outside of school,” Byrne said. “I would also hope to get the River to Lake Bike Trail spur completed. This is a great form of recreation for all citizens.”

TOD LATELL

Latell, a former Trumbull County Recorder who held the position for two terms, explained in his candidate questionnaire that he has been attending council meetings since the start of the year and wants to promote growth by working with officials.

“I believe we have some great opportunities to improve our downtown area and other locations across the city,” Latell wrote. “Seeking out grant opportunities and networking with other city councilmen across the county and even state will be a benefit.”

Latell warned that even if the city’s auditor and officials have done well enough to keep them in good financial standing, the county is struggling as a whole with a sales tax increase or layoffs looming.

“We do not want to see that happen in Girard now or anytime in the future,” Latell wrote.

LILY MARTUCCIO

Martuccio, who has been an at-Large councilwoman for eight years and the lone incumbent for the position, explained she didn’t put any priorities on her questionnaire because she didn’t want to make promises she couldn’t keep.

“I don’t want to overextend and say I want to do ‘this, this and this’ because I want to do everything — whatever is helpful,” Martuccio said. “I’ve learned not to make promises because they’re not ones you can always keep because you’re not the only one involved in facilitating that promise.”

As someone who sits on the city’s economic development and health and safety committees, Martuccio said she’s always been an advocate for sidewalks and curbs in the city — which she understands is a “huge undertaking” with grants and available funds.

“I throw everything up in the air; whatever lands is what we’re going to go with because you know anything that we can get to better our city is a plus,” Martuccio said. “After eight years I could say ‘I want this, this and this,’ but I know that there are factors that come into that, if the administration is not on board with it, or the rest of the council is not on board with it.”

WES STEINER

Steiner, a first-time candidate who has been a surveyor for the past decade and involved in the community as a coach in various positions at Girard Junior High School for nearly as long, said he hopes to use his surveyor and zoning knowledge to help update and improve the community.

“Zoning is essential for making sure that growth is planned well and remains sustainable for the future,” Steiner wrote in his candidate questionnaire. “I also want to collaborate with other cities (Cortland, Hubbard and Niles) in Trumbull County to secure Community Housing Impact and Prevention (CHIP) funds to help low-to-moderate homeowners in Girard update mechanical or structural deficiencies in their home.”

Steiner wrote he’d also like to collaborate with the county’s Office of Economic Development to attract businesses to vacant storefronts — namely the ones located along State Street from Interstate 80 to Churchhill and West Liberty Street.

“Many of these storefronts have been vacant for several years, most of my adult life,” Steiner wrote. “I would also work with Lake to River to help bring businesses to the area. This initiative will generate additional tax revenue for the city.”