Magee returns as mayor, vows a cleaner Hubbard

But first he wants to immerse himself in the city's finances.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Arthur U. Magee doesn't like politics, but he loves government.
After serving his hometown of Hubbard as a councilman, council president and mayor, and later, Trumbull County, as a commissioner, he decided to return to his roots and try to be mayor again.
The decision paid off, as he defeated current Mayor George P. Praznik by a vote of more than 2-1.
"Last fall a lot of people I worked with when I was mayor before talked to me and asked me to consider coming back," Magee said. "They said they weren't happy with the way some things were being done, and I wasn't happy with the way some things were happening.
"When I started going door to door, I spoke with many people who were here when I was mayor before," he continued. "They told me they thought I did a good job before, and now I had even more experience. If the last time was good and this one can be better, then great."
Praznik's reaction
Praznik said he was willing to accept the decision of voters.
"If that's what the citizens want, then that's what they'll get," he said. "I thought I did a great job while I've been here, but I guess the residents wanted a change."
Praznik, who will continue to serve as mayor until Magee is sworn in in January, said he will take a hard look at the projects he's been working on and decide which ones he will devote his remaining time in office to.
In recent months, the city's been plagued with a moldy police station, the resignation of the volunteer fire department's chief and problems with city water disappearing somewhere during its travel from the treatment plant to homes and businesses.
Priorities
Magee said once he takes office, his first priority is delving into the city's finances.
"Anywhere I've been, that's been the key to me," he said. "I want to get into the budget and really see what's going on."
Magee said he also plans to clean up the city, literally.
"It's filthy," he said. "Abandoned buildings, junk cars. We want to really put a shine on the city."
Council race
In the city's only other contested race Tuesday, 1st ward Democratic Councilwoman Bonnie Viele retained her seat, defeating challenger David R. Kelly by 10 votes.
In November, Democratic council-at-large candidates Raymond Farcas, Douglas L. Rohrer and William J. Williams will square off against independent Patton M. Gilliland for the three available seats.
Also, 4th Ward Democratic candidate William W. Watson will face independent challenger Edward Palestro Sr. in the fall.
slshaulis@vindy.com