John Michael Pontikos, New Struthers 2nd Ward councilman, sworn in

John Michael Pontikos, New Struthers 2nd Ward councilman, sworn in

STRUTHERS

John Michael Pontikos was sworn in as the city’s 2nd Ward councilman Tuesday evening in city council chambers.

“I saw the open seat, and I saw how Struthers is improving,” said Pontikos, 58, who lives on Sexton Street. “I’m getting older, and I wanted to become more involved in my community. I wanted to be part of the process.”

Pontikos was selected as the replacement for former Councilman Robert Stouffer by members of the Mahoning County Democratic Party’s central committee who reside in Struthers’ 2nd Ward.

Denise Collingwood, of Fifth Street, also ran for the council seat but received no votes.

David Betras, Democratic Party chairman, led the meeting. He explained that Pontikos’ familiarity with the area works to his advantage.

“It seems like he’ll make a great councilman,” Betras said.

Pontikos will serve the remainder of Stouffer’s term, which goes to year’s end. Stouffer resigned in late July, because he was moving out of the city.

On Jan. 1, Pontikos will be replaced by Carol A. Crytzer, councilwoman-at-large, said Mayor Terry Stocker. Crytzer, he added, was elected to the 2nd Ward post in May.

Stocker said he’s looking forward to working with Pontikos, especially as council nears the end of the summer recess.

“His experience as a resident of the community will be an asset to the residents of the 2nd Ward,” Stocker said. “The transition will be fairly easy.”

Pontikos, who has worked for more than 40 years as a project manager and estimator, has one daughter, Annissa Neider.