McDonald gets new mayor and two new council members

Bringing in new businesses is a goal for two new
officials.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

McDONALD — The look of village council will be a bit different with the addition of two new councilmen and a mayor.

At council’s meeting Wednesday, Glenn W. Holmes was sworn in as mayor, replacing James W. Border, who served in that capacity since August 1998. Holmes, who headed several council committees before his new position, said his goals include keeping McDonald fiscally sound, marketing the village for businesses and maintaining active police patrols.

“I want to stay economically sound and have an atmosphere conducive to business growth, and protect the unique qualities and standards that make McDonald McDonald,” he said.

Also sworn in were Brian D. Fisher and Scott W. Seitz, who will fill the two vacant council seats. Leaving council were Holmes and B.J. Farr, who served two four-year terms and headed council’s parks and buildings committee.

Fisher, of Grant Street, said that the area faces a shrinking tax base and that he wants to bring added businesses to the village’s industrial park. Solidifying McDonald’s economic stability and future also was one of his ambitions, said Fisher, who owns a pizza restaurant in East Palestine.

Assisting council with its projects and continuing Farr’s work on the committee were among the goals listed by Seitz, who also coaches a midget football team for children ages 6 to 12.

Seitz, who lives on Marshall Road and is a 30-year village resident, added that he plans to work with the community and accomplish various short-term goals.

Border praised fellow council members, department heads and others for their support and accomplishments, which he said included maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The village should end the year in the black, he said, adding that he has no plans to run again for public office.

“I’m not pursuing any other political aspirations for the time being,” Border said.

Also at the session, Police Chief Lou Ronghi announced that his department received two donations totaling $2,500 to buy five Tasers for his officers. The McDonald Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 194 and Blue Knights Chapter 14 of Newton Falls made contributions of $500 and $2,000, respectively, Ronghi noted.