Residents can rest assured in Hubbard mayoral race

Residents can rest assured in Hubbard mayoral race

The Democratic primary election for mayor of Hubbard has turned out to be an editorial writer’s dream – and ordeal.

The two candidates vying for the nomination, Benjamin Kyle and Tim O’Hara, epitomize community involvement and activism. They are qualified, thoughtful and committed to the betterment of the city of some 7,000 residents.

From an editorial endorsement standpoint, the contenders in the May 7 primary contest stand in sharp contrast to the many candidates over the years who have sought public office with tissue-thin resum s.

Not so Kyle and O’Hara, who are well-prepared to take the reins of power.

That’s why contemplating this race is an editorial writer’s dream.

Either candidate would be a worthy successor to Mayor John Darko, who is not seeking re-election. Darko has been the city’s chief executive officer since 2012.

The mayor and members of council have not only placed city government on a solid financial footing, but have laid the foundation for a bright and lucrative future.

While the race for the Democratic nomination has given us a sense of relief, it is also an ordeal.

That’s because we have to select one of the candidates for our endorsement – just as the voters will have to do with their ballots.

We’ve examined each of their resumes, analyzed their answers to the questions in The Vindicator’s candidate survey form, and paid close attention to their separate appearances before the newspaper’s Editorial Board.

The bottom line: There isn’t much of a difference between them when it comes to their visions for Hubbard.

But a decision must be made. Therefore, we have concluded that Kyle’s deep roots in the community – he is the fourth generation in his family to carry on the tradition of public service – his involvement in the family business, Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home, his numerous activities in the area and his tenure as a member of city council give him a slight edge.

Kyle, a councilman-at-large who previously represented the 1st Ward, is chairman of the Finance Committee. That role has given him valuable insight and expertise in city government finances.

“We have increased our investment in public works programs and day-to-day operations providing for the citizens,” he wrote on his survey form. “While at the same time, we have received less money through local government funds and reduced revenues from income taxes.”

Kyle told the Editorial Board that city government’s budget is in “fantastic” shape and has a $1.5 million surplus as a result of the “drastic action” taken by the mayor and council to cut costs.

As chairman of the Finance Committee, he works closely with the administration to ensure the proper expenditure of tax dollars.

Priorities

If he is elected mayor, the well-known businessman will focus on three major priorities: Improving the quality of life of families in Hubbard; promoting economic development, with an emphasis on marketing vacant factories and properties; initiating school-safety programs in conjunction with the board of education.

O’Hara, who has represented the 2nd Ward for 11 years and is chairman of council’s safety committee, owns Rehab Placement Services, a company that helps disabled workers find re-employment or receive work training through workers’ compensation.

Without a doubt, O’Hara has left his mark on the community with his involvement in numerous activities and organizations. He has coached local sports for many years and has served as vice president of the Hubbard Community Youth League.

O’Hara believes his leadership skills, ability to work with people and get things done are the strengths he would bring to the mayor’s office.

One of his primary goals is to promote community safety by finding ways for the police and fire departments to expand their staffs and resources.

As we said at the outset, the race for the Democratic nomination for mayor is an editorial writer’s dream and ordeal because Kyle and O’Hara are eminently qualified to lead the city.

Unfortunately, only one of them can succeed Mayor Darko, and The Vindicator believes Kyle has the edge.

There’s no Republican on the ballot, which means the Democratic nominee will likely take office in January.