MCDONALD Candidates cite experience

Five candidates are looking to fill two council seats.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
McDONALD -- Maintaining and improving services and working on economic development are high priorities for candidates in the race for mayor and council.
Mayor James W. Border touts his experience with multimillion-dollar projects as mayor and in his employment.
Border, who has received endorsements from the United Auto Workers and the Trumbull County Federation of Labor, says his work as a project superintendent with Jack Gibson Construction Co. has proved invaluable as mayor of McDonald.
"Since being mayor, I have supervised the allocation of nearly $1.5 million in grants and interest-free loans," he says.
He plans to work on a 24-hour ambulance service, waterline and sewer line replacement, road maintenance and development of the Standard LaFarge and USX properties to build the tax base.
His opponent
Opposing Border is Jack J. Dugan Jr. Dugan was a councilman from 1986-1989, and 1993-1998.
Dugan wants to see an administration in which the mayor and council work together with other village officials to maximize every opportunity for economic growth. Dugan served as council president pro tem and chairman of the finance committee.
"I am committed to improving council-mayor relationships so goals and visions can be communicated, shared and accomplished," he says.
Council candidates
Five candidates seek two council seats.
Kevin O'Connell, the son of village administrator Bob O'Connell, is running "because it's an opportunity for me to give back to the community that has provided me with so much over the years."
He also wants to see village officials "working together with a sense of respect and cooperation ... put aside personal agendas and to act in the best interest of the residents."
Peter D. Sudol looks to advance his service after being named to the board of zoning appeals in April. His lack of significant past political experience "may be my biggest asset."
Sudol sees 24-hour ambulance service and economic development of the former U.S. Steel properties as major issues.
Glen W. Holmes, a former member of the board of zoning appeals, was appointed to council earlier this year. He plans to "market the village as the hidden treasure of the Valley," highlighting the good people and schools, as well as access to interstate highways and rail lines.
Robert "B.J." Farr Jr. touts his service on council from 1993-1998 and his 23-year career of developing and managing health-care businesses.
Farr wants to enhance the tax base and resident services by promoting and supporting new business and industry.
Rounding out the list of council candidates is Joseph S. Sanson, who says his professional experience as a project engineer for the Ohio Department of Transportation will serve him well as a councilman.
"I have to wear many hats, from estimator and purchaser, to accountant and leader," he says.
Sanson pledges to work with the mayor and other council members to bring in business and to secure grants to fix the infrastructure.