Create a better community, mayor's wife urges residents

YOUNGSTOWN — Mayor Jay Williams’ wife issued a call to service to city residents at this year’s Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast today. Speaking at the Maronite Center on Meridian Road, Sonya Williams said residents need to “set aside race, religion and self-serving agendas” and “create a better community.”

“We can improve the quality of life for generations to follow. It’s an action, not just lip service. Be the voice and be active in the community,” she urged.

She noted that Youngstown has experienced a population decline since the 1990s that has led to a smaller tax and revenue base, and has an unemployment rate twice the national average and a school district in academic watch and fiscal emergency.

“All of the factors are creating a wilderness,” she said, and asked “What will we do with our voice?”

“Many voices must become one in our community,” she said.

Williams, who was born and reared in Youngstown, is a program coordinator with Upward Bound at Youngstown State University. She is an associate minister at Calvary Ministries International.

Today’s event was sponsored by Mahoning Valley Association of Churches   and attracted some 270 people, including elected officials and representatives from churches and community organizations.

Other participants were the Rev. Joseph Fata, pastor of St. Luke Church and co-chair of the clergy caucus in ACTION; Dr. D. Larry Kline, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church; and Saeeda Ghani, president of the Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown. Readings were presented by Katie Einzig, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation; the Rev. Ed Noga, pastor of St. Patrick Church; and Walid Abuasi, Islamic Society. Dr. Christopher Bache offered a Buddhist reading and the Rayen School vocal ensemble, directed by Mark Halls, entertained.